John Massimiani, III, a 46-year-old Southport, Florida resident, has been federally indicted on charges including transportation and possession of child pornography, along with destruction of property to prevent its search and seizure. The charges were announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Massimiani appeared for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee. A jury trial is scheduled for July 20, 2026, at 8:30 am, to be presided over by District Judge Mark E. Walker in Tallahassee.
If convicted, Massimiani faces a minimum of 5 years and up to 20 years in prison for the transportation of child pornography count. He also faces up to 20 years for possession of child pornography and up to 5 years for the destruction of property charge.
The case is a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations, with Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer prosecuting. This action is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation. An indictment is an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.