Hillsborough Co. fire captain arrested on child porn charges takes own life: HCSO

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)— The former Hillsborough County fire captain who was arrested and accused of possessing more than 100 child pornography images and videos died while in custody at the Falkenburg Road Jail, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.

On Tuesday at 2:02 p.m., detention deputies found Marshall Nelson, 52, after he attempted to take his own life.

Deputies and jail medical staff began life-saving efforts before Nelson was transported to the hospital. He was pronounced dead on Wednesday, according to HCSO.

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The medical examiner’s office will determine the cause of death.

Nelson had been at the jail since his arrest on Jan. 30, 2025, for the possession of child pornography.

Investigators said they found several electronic devices in his home that allegedly held over 300 images and videos of child sexual abuse material.

Nelson had been with the fire department for over two decades. After his arrest, he was placed on administrative leave.

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