APD Arrests Man in Connection to Possessing and Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material

Case:  26-5014859

Suspect (Arrested):  Avery Joseph Fontana, White male, 26 years of age
 
The Austin Police (APD) Child Exploitation Unit has arrested a suspect accused of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including videos depicting the sexual abuse of young children.

On September 28, 2026, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) referred information to APD’s Child Exploitation Unit, part of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Taskforce, regarding suspected CSAM associated with an Austin resident, Avery Joseph Fontana, 26 years of age. Detectives identified more than 500 files that met the Texas definition of child pornography across accounts associated with Fontana. Detectives also linked him to the distribution of CSAM videos through Instagram.

On October 20, 2026, detectives obtained an arrest warrant charging Fontana with Possession of Child Pornography, a first-degree felony. Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force subsequently attempted to take Fontana into custody at his residence. After officers made contact, Fontana barricaded himself inside the apartment and attempted to destroy electronic devices by placing them in a microwave and turning it on. Officers intervened to prevent further damage and a potential fire.

Fontana was taken into custody and is also charged with Tampering with Evidence, a third-degree felony. Detectives obtained a residential search warrant and seized electronic devices and other items for further examination.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The APD Child Exploitation Unit is dedicated to investigating and apprehending individuals who seek to sexually exploit children. The unit works in collaboration with state and federal law enforcement agencies and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to identify offenders, protect children, and advocate for victims.