The Ocala Police Department is asking for help from the public to locate a 70-year-old man who is wanted for possession and distribution of child pornography.
Ron Richard Malara has a warrant out for his arrest for nine counts of possession of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, according to OPD.
In December 2022, OPD received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and a detective began an investigation.
“Internet crime cases like this can be very complex and involve working with internet service providers, social media companies, and other technology companies to obtain data,” stated OPD in a social media post. The investigation, according to the police department, can vary from several weeks to several months.
On March 9, 2023, OPD executed a search warrant on Malara’s residence and found several electronic devices. Forensic examinations were conducted on the devices and emails associated with Malara were discovered that contained child pornography.
At this time, Malara has not been located, and the Ocala Police Department is seeking the community’s help to find him. If you have any information on his whereabouts, OPD asks that you call 352-369-7000.