Police: Jacksonville man with HIV accused of sexually battering 12-year-old

Columbus Jeffery, 42, accused of posting child porn on Tumblr

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville man who told police he is HIV positive is facing a dozen felony charges after he was accused of sexually battering a boy and child pornography was found online, according to a report from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

The police report states Columbus Donavan Jeffrey, 42, was arrested after two cybertips were received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The first tip was reported by Tumblr, which, police said, identified what were believed to be nine files depicting child porn.

According to the Sheriff's Office, Jeffrey was arrested after the IP address was traced to Jeffrey's home. Investigators said the email address that was linked to the Tumblr username belonged to Jeffrey.

The police report shows Jeffrey listed his employer has UF Health. News4Jax is working to confirm his place of employment.

Investigators searched Jeffrey's home Thursday, and the Sheriff's Office said he denied any sexual contact with the child. During an interview, investigators said Jeffrey admitted he was HIV positive.

According to the arrest report, the 12-year-old boy told police he spent several days a week at Jeffery's house while his mother was working. Police said the boy disclosed three separate incidents, and the boy told police Jeffrey would take photos.

The Sheriff's Office said explicit images of the boy were found on Jeffrey's phone.

News4Jax visited Jeffery's listed address where a man claiming to be his roommate was present. He did not wish to comment on the arrest.

"I didn't know about anything going on," the man said. "I've known him a long time. I've known him very well."

Jail records show Jeffrey was ordered held on a $625,000 bond. His charges include sexual battery, producing sexual performance of a child, possession of child porn and sexual intercourse without disclosure of HIV, the arrest report said.


About the Author:

Corley Peel is a Texas native and Texas Tech graduate who covered big stories in Joplin, Missouri, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Jacksonville, Florida before returning to the Lone Star State. When not reporting, Corley enjoys hot yoga, Tech Football, and finding the best tacos in town.