Former Surgeon Arrested For Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

Yesterday morning, the Alachua Police Department (APD) announced that ex-surgeon David Stephen Saunders was arrested on one count of misusing a communication device, one count of transmission of child pornography using an electronic device, and nineteen counts of possession of child pornography.  

On May 11, 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) was notified of a Verizon customer using their phone to access an image of a child being sexually exploited. An investigation revealed Saunders to be the customer, and a search warrant was issued on his account. The search found several more grotesque images. 

APD conducted a search warrant at Saunders’ house on May 30, 2024, and seized several electronic devices. He was arrested on Monday.

APD’s press release states a Gainesville Police Department (GPD) forensics examiner “examined all data extracted from the seized devices. The examiner stated that the findings indicated the defendant sought out child pornography through an online web browser, saved or bookmarked the webpage with the content, and continued to access the page.” 

Saunders had his first appearance on Tuesday, and he has pleaded not guilty.

Saunders is being represented by Glassman and Zissimopulos Law firm. The firm’s LinkedIn bio states, “We treat our clients the same way we would want to be treated if we were in the same situation.”

Saunders’ Florida Department of Health profile says he also had general-surgeon licenses in Tennessee and Iowa. 

Saunders’ bond has been set at $125,000.