A TikTok influencer accused of possessing child porn was reported to the police after his girlfriend allegedly found the material while looking through his phone because she suspected him of cheating, according to his arrest report.
Mason Hull, 18, of Sarasota, Florida, was arrested Wednesday and charged with 15 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material.
Investigators said the images and videos depicted girls between the ages of eight and 15.
Hull, who has around 350,000 followers on TikTok under the name 'Hullo,' is best known online for posting 'looksmaxxing' content, a controversial trend popular among young men that promotes extreme methods to improve appearance and confidence.
He also sells online coaching services through a website that promised to help clients 'transform your body in 90 days.' His social media accounts appear to have been set to private in the wake of the charges.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Fox13, Hull's then-girlfriend contacted police on April 30 after searching his phone and allegedly discovering links, images and videos containing child sexual abuse material.
She also allegedly found Telegram messages showing Hull communicating with users who were selling and distributing the illegal content, investigators said.
Deputies said the woman photographed some of the messages on her own phone and later showed them to detectives.
TikTok influencer Mason Hull, 18, was arrested in Sarasota, Florida, and charged with 15 counts of possessing child sexual abuse material
Hull, who has more than 350,000 followers under the name 'Hullo,' is known for posting 'looksmaxxing' videos and selling online coaching services aimed at young men
When questioned, Hull allegedly told investigators he used Telegram to access the material because he wanted to 'try something new' and sought out pornography he believed was taboo.
He also allegedly admitted paying for links to access the files on at least two occasions, according to the affidavit.
According to investigators, Hull acknowledged he was aware the children in the images were minors.
Court documents said investigators later contacted Hull for a second interview, which he initially agreed to attend before calling later that day to say he would not meet with deputies.
On May 6, investigators obtained an arrest warrant charging Hull with 15 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material following a forensic review of his phone, authorities said.
Court records state each charge carried enhanced penalties because more than ten files were found and the videos allegedly depicted children being sexually battered.
Members of the sheriff's Tactical Unit arrested Hull at his apartment complex the following day without incident.
Jail records indicate he was freed on a $112,500 bond set at $7,500 per charge.
An arrest affidavit states that Hull was reported to the police by his former girlfriend who allegedly found the illegal content on his phone
The affidavit states the ex-girlfriend was looking through Hull's phone as she suspected him of cheating
A judge has ordered Hull to stay off social media, barred him from using the internet and prohibited him from contacting minors or visiting locations frequented by children, WFLA reported. He is due back in court for an arraignment on June 5.
In a statement, the sheriff's office said the case highlights its focus on protecting children.
'This investigation highlights SCSO's commitment to protecting children and aggressively pursuing those who exploit them,' Sheriff Kurt A Hoffman said.
The investigation remains ongoing.