Possessor of CSAM Receives Seven Years

Correction | Dec 3, 2025: It says on GPD's press release that Godwin received 22 months of sex offender probation when it is actually 22 years. Additionally, Godwin actually received an eight year sentence but with 238 days credit for time served in jail it is still accurate to report seven so this hasn't been changed.

Robert Godwin, 71, has been sentenced to seven years in prison followed by 22 years of sex offender probation after being convicted of twelve counts possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

The Gainesville Police Department (GPD) announced that Godwin used Bing to conduct a reverse image search of CSAM and that thousands of downloaded and printed images of the abuses were found scattered throughout his residence and electronic devices.   

Godwin was originally pleading not guilty and facing sixty years in prison, however, he took a plea deal for a reduced sentence. He will be required to register as a sex offender upon release.

Godwin is currently housed in the Dade Correctional Institute.