Charlotte County Sheriff’s Department Press Release
A Port Charlotte man has been arrested after an investigation found him to be in possession of child pornographic material.
On December 21st, 2024, an Electronic Service Provider became aware of possible child pornography files on their servers. The provider, known as “Kik”, is an instant messaging service that allows users to send texts, start video calls, and send files to one another through wi-fi or mobile phone service connection.
On this same day, it was discovered that Tampa PD detectives were investigating a suspect, Ashton Michael Bogard (01/05/1988). Bogard was involved in an undercover chat session with detectives where Bogard thought he was texting with an underaged girl. The chat was sexual in nature and had messages expressing interest in meeting for sexual activity.
On March 24th, 2025, a search warrant was served for content belonging to the username. On April 11, 2025, the search warrant return was received. While looking at the content, it clearly shows that this account belongs and is being used by Ashton Bogard due to numerous selfies showing his face and entire body which includes his tattoos. Within those files, there were approximately 27 videos of child pornography.
“Few things in this world disgust me as much as people who take pleasure in seeing children being harmed. There is no help for this kind of sickness – it is the embodiment of evil. When we learn it exists in Charlotte County, I want our community to know that we take action. It is not welcome here, nor should it be anywhere.”
Sheriff Bill Prummell
On April 24th, 2024, there was enough probable cause, and an arrest warrant was granted for his arrest. Later that day, Bogard was located and arrested for possession of child pornography, taken to the Charlotte County Jail. He has since bonded out of Charlotte County Jail, but was immediately re-arrested on Tampa Police Department charges, now held without bond.
