Public Safety

Thursday, July 9, 2026

UF Health doctor arrested on child sexual abuse material charges

Alachua County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Chintan Shah, a 40-year-old UF assistant professor and UF Health physician, on Wednesday on felony charges of possessing and transmitting child sexual abuse material and using a communication device in the commission of a felony. Investigators say the case began in early April after a cyber tip flagged a social media account sharing illicit video, which was subsequently linked to Shah. Authorities searched his Newberry home on Tuesday before arresting him and booking him into the Alachua County Jail with no bond.

Sources: WCJB TV20 · Mainstreet Daily News · The Gainesville Sun

Alachua County Sheriff’s Office launches special needs stickers for traffic stops

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office is making vehicle stickers available to families of people with disabilities, signaling to deputies during traffic stops that a driver or passenger may require extra patience or a different communication approach. The program is intended to prevent misunderstandings between law enforcement and individuals who may be non-verbal, have autism, or otherwise communicate differently. A local mother of twin boys with autism said the sticker gives her greater confidence about potential law enforcement encounters involving her children.

Sources: WCJB TV20

In Brief

Alachua County health officials confirm two cyclosporiasis cases — WCJB TV20
Home fire on NW 54th Terrace causes smoke damage; no injuries reported — WCJB TV20

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