In May 2019, Hernando County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence in Spring Hill regarding a Sexual Offense.
Preliminary investigation revealed a male at the residence committed one or more sexual offenses against a female who had previously been in his presence.
Detectives were called in to handle the investigation.
On 09-13-19, the suspect, identified as Michael Annicaro, was placed under arrest and charged as follows:
Sexual Battery (3 counts).
As part of the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for the suspect’s cell phone. A search of the cell phone revealed numerous photographs depicting child pornography.
On 12-16-19, Michael Annicaro DOB/01-15-1970 was placed under arrest again, and charged as follows:
Possession of Child Pornography – (17 counts).
On 03-05-20, Michael Annicaro entered a plea agreement and was sentenced to 15 years in the Florida Department of Corrections, followed by 20 years of Sexual Offender Probation.
The Office of Sheriff:
The Office of the Sheriff is established by the Florida Constitution. As a constitutional officer, the Sheriff has the exclusive authority to administer his or her agency and is responsible for preserving the peace throughout the entire county, carrying out the laws of the state, the orders of Florida courts, and the ordinances of the Board of County Commissioners. The Sheriff is the chief law enforcement and correctional officer of the county.
Sheriff Al Nienhuis was initially appointed as the Sheriff of Hernando County by the Governor in January of 2011. He was then elected by the people of Hernando County in 2012, ran unopposed in 2016, and remains accountable to them.
