A Marion County man was arrested on December 8 after a Marion County Sheriff’s Office investigation uncovered what deputies describe as extensive child-exploitation activity involving electronic devices and online communications.
Detective Henrik Osthed of the Major Crimes Division arrested 34-year-old David Gorge Preising, of NE 135th Street in Ft. McCoy, on a long list of felony charges. According to the agency, the case began when a woman reported that Preising, her former boyfriend, had been communicating with underage girls online. She provided deputies with a phone she stated he regularly used.
Detectives say a forensic review of the device revealed repeated communications with a person who identified herself as a 16-year-old. The report states that Preising initiated and engaged in sexual conversations, sent images of himself, and attempted to solicit additional material. Investigators also located links and files that were classified as child sexual abuse material, leading to multiple counts of possession. MCSO noted that no minors associated with the reporter were involved in the offenses.
During a controlled phone call monitored by detectives, the affidavit says Preising admitted to possessing and viewing illegal material “every couple of months” and acknowledged communicating with the juvenile under the belief she was 16. He also admitted to using old photos of the reporter to create a false impression during online conversations.
Following that call, deputies took Preising into custody. After being read his rights, the report states he confirmed accessing, downloading, and storing prohibited material while at his residence. The Sheriff’s Office also noted in the affidavit that Preising is a foster parent, which added urgency to the investigation.
Preising faces numerous felony charges, including:
• Multiple counts of possessing 10 or more images of child sexual exploitation material
• Use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony
• Transmitting information harmful to minors
• Using a computer to solicit or lure a child
He was booked into the Marion County Jail with no bond, pending his first court appearance.
The investigation remains active.
