TAMPA, FLORIDA – A decorated U.S. Air Force Major is trading wings for prison bars after being sentenced to five years in federal prison for a sickening crime. Steven Dennis Mack, 40, of Tampa, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday for receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The sentence doesn’t end at the prison gates; Mack will also face a lifetime of supervised release after serving his time.
The court didn’t stop at incarceration. Mack was ordered to pay a hefty $42,500 in restitution to victims, alongside $40,000 in fines. He’s also required to register as a sex offender, a permanent mark that will follow him for the rest of his life. Mack initially pleaded guilty on March 6, 2025, but his troubles aren’t over – an Air Force court martial is still pending, promising further disciplinary action for his betrayal of the uniform.
The investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior. Court documents show that while stationed out of state, Mack sent an image of CSAM from his personal email to an individual located in the Philippines. This digital breadcrumb led law enforcement to uncover hundreds of emails exchanged between Mack and the Philippines user, detailing discussions about engaging in sexual activities with minors. It wasn’t just a single transmission; the correspondence painted a clear picture of a depraved interest.
A search warrant executed at Mack’s Tampa residence yielded further evidence. Authorities seized his cellphone and laptop, and the digital forensics told a chilling story. The laptop contained search terms consistent with CSAM, alongside access to pornographic content. Even more damning, the cellphone held 64 images of CSAM, images Mack had actively viewed in Tampa during June and December of 2023. The evidence was overwhelming and undeniable.
This wasn’t a solo operation. The United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 340 at MacDill Air Force Base, working in tandem with the Tampa Police Department, painstakingly built the case against Mack. Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts skillfully prosecuted the case, ensuring justice was served. This investigation underscores the dedication of law enforcement to rooting out predators who prey on the most vulnerable.
The case was brought forth under the umbrella of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice. This project aims to combat the escalating epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, bringing together federal, state, and local resources to apprehend offenders and rescue victims. For those seeking more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc. The fight to protect children continues, and Grimy Times will be there to report it.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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