Additional charges filed against Port St. Joe man after digital forensic investigation - WJHG

PORT ST. JOE, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - A Port St. Joe man who was arrested for possession of child pornography in July last year is now facing additional charges after an extensive forensic investigation. According to the Port St. Joe Police Department, the investigation into Gilbert Artenas Thomas, 74, began July 7, 2025, after the department received multiple reports alleging sexual abuse of juvenile victims. On July 14, 2025, Thomas was arrested and charged with sexual battery on a child under 12. After his arrest, investigators turned over seized electronic devices to Homeland Security Investigations for digital forensic analysis. The forensic analysis uncovered multiple images of child pornography on Thomas’s electronic devices, according to law enforcement. Thomas has now been charged with four additional counts of possession of child pornography. The Port St. Joe Police Department said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed. To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WJHG on Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter). Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Email news@wjhg.com. Please include the article’s headline in your message. Keep up with all the biggest headlines on the WJHG News app, and check out what’s happening outside using the WJHG Weather app. Copyright 2026 WJHG. All rights reserved.