A 26-year-old man was taken into custody on Wednesday in Miami's Little Haiti neighborhood for possessing child pornography. The individual, identified as Briley Gargis, lived directly across from the Edison Park K-8 Center, a public school in Miami-Dade County.
Miami Police Department officers executed a search warrant at the address located at 421 Northwest 67th Street, where they discovered 127 images depicting child sexual abuse, with victims ranging from 2 to 14 years old. According to police spokesperson Michael Vega, as reported by Univision 23, authorities also found 15 videos showing girls between the ages of two and ten engaged in sexual acts with adults.
Gargis was escorted to a patrol car in handcuffs, attempting to conceal his face with a hoodie. This operation was carried out by the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, and Local 10 News was on the scene to document the arrest.
The incident provoked outrage among neighbors and parents of students at the school. “We are clearly in front of a school, and obviously this is extremely dangerous for the children,” a mother told Univision 23. Another parent expressed concern, saying, “I come to pick them up every day... It’s a worrying situation.”
An acquaintance who lived with the suspect expressed shock, stating, “I've known him for a year and a half, and I never would have imagined this.”
Gargis is facing 15 charges related to sexual performance by a child and possession of child abuse images. He was booked at the TGKCC with the case number F25006685, and no bond has been set at this time. The investigation is ongoing, with additional electronic devices seized from the residence currently under review.
Despite the suspect's proximity to the school, Miami-Dade County school authorities assured that students were never at risk during this time.
Understanding the Child Pornography Arrest in Miami
What charges is Briley Gargis facing?
Briley Gargis is facing 15 charges for sexual performance by a child and possession of child abuse images.
Where did the arrest take place?
The arrest occurred in Miami's Little Haiti neighborhood, across from Edison Park K-8 Center.
How did the community react to the arrest?
Neighbors and parents were outraged, expressing concern over the safety of children attending the nearby school.