SPD investigation into child sex crimes leads to arrest in Florida suspect was former teacher at religious school in Spokane extradition to Washington State pending

Tyrone L. Cliff, aged 38, faces multiple felony charges for possessing child sexual abuse material after his arrest in Florida on October 28, 2025. The investigation began in August when the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit received a CyberTip about his online activities. Detectives learned of Cliff's identity and prepared to serve search warrants in Spokane but found he had moved to Florida. The Spokane Police Department and Florida law enforcement worked together to issue multiple felony warrants, leading to Cliff's arrest while he worked as a middle school teacher in Hillsborough County.

He is now in Hillsborough County Jail, awaiting extradition to Washington State. This case highlights the critical role of collaboration among law enforcement agencies in addressing child exploitation. The ICAC unit continues to monitor such cases to ensure the protection of children from online predators. Cliff's previous role as a teacher raises significant concerns about the potential for abuse within educational environments.