Florida Puppeteer Charged in Kiddie Porn Case

Emr the Jester was a regular at local businesses, performing puppet shows, creating balloon animals and even handling face-painting duties to entertain kids.

The man behind the jester, however, had a big secret, according to his arrest record – one that Pinellas County Sheriff’s detectives revealed recently.

News of Peter Douglas Erm’s Jan. 20 arrest was announced late Tuesday night by the sheriff’s office.

“Through various investigative techniques, so far the investigation has revealed in excess of 430 images depicting children as young as 3 months old engaged in sexual acts and bondage,” an email to media from the sheriff’s office stated.

Erm of 8013 72nd St. N., Lot No. 159, in Pinellas Park was charged with six counts of possession of child pornography and three counts of sexual performance with the intent to promote.

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The investigation into Erm’s activities was launched in mid-December when the sheriff’s office received a tip that he might be in possession of child pornography. A search warrant was executed at Emr’s home on Jan. 20. During that search, detectives seized multiple electronic devices on which they found the graphic images, the email stated.

When deputies interviewed Emr, he admitted to the crime, the sheriff’s office said.

Emr remained in the Pinellas County Jail Wednesday in lieu of $320,000 bond.

Since “Emr the Jester” had plenty of contact with children through his work, the sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information about him or potential victims to contact Det. Holly Tsanakaliotis at 727-582-6200.

Photo credit: Emr the Jester from Facebook/Booking photo of Peter Emr from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office