A 24-year-old active-duty Air Force airman assigned to Tyndall Air Force Base has been federally indicted following a joint investigation into alleged offenses involving illegal digital material depicting minors, according to federal prosecutors.
Matthew Fooladian, an Airman First Class stationed at Tyndall, was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Florida on three counts related to the alleged receipt, distribution, and possession of prohibited material involving minors. The charges were announced Tuesday by the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative focused on preventing online exploitation.
Fooladian appeared for arraignment in federal court in Tallahassee before a U.S. magistrate judge. A jury trial is currently scheduled for March 23, 2026, before a federal district court judge.
If convicted, Fooladian faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison on two of the counts, with potential sentences of up to 20 years on each charge. Any sentencing determination would be made by the court following trial.
Prior State Charges and Digital Evidence Review
The federal indictment follows earlier state-level criminal charges filed in Bay County in October 2025.
According to court records, investigators obtained a search warrant authorizing a forensic examination of Fooladian’s mobile device in connection with an ongoing investigation. During the review, investigators reported identifying digital files that were described in charging documents as unlawful material involving minors.
A subsequent search warrant led investigators to identify more than 140 images and videos alleged to fall under state statutes governing prohibited depictions involving minors. Fooladian was later arrested and booked into the Bay County Jail, where he initially faced 25 state counts related to possession offenses.
Public records have not clarified how the state charges will proceed in light of the federal indictment, which now takes precedence.
Military Assignment and Background
Fooladian is assigned to Tyndall Air Force Base and holds the rank of Airman First Class. Public Air Force imagery indicates he completed technical training in the Services career field at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia, in March 2025.
Information available through public social media profiles indicates Fooladian was born in Iran and later lived in California with his family before joining the Air Force. Publicly accessible online material suggests he previously operated or promoted a photography-related business in the Glendale, California area.
The Air Force has not publicly commented on Fooladian’s current duty status or whether administrative or separation proceedings have been initiated.
Joint Investigation and Legal Process
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Federal prosecutors assigned to the case include Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith L. Steer and Joseph Ravelo.
Federal officials emphasized that an indictment represents an allegation, not a determination of guilt.
“All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office stated.
Fooladian remains under federal prosecution as the case proceeds toward trial in March. The outcome could carry significant criminal penalties and potential long-term consequences for his military career.
The Salty Soldier will continue to monitor court proceedings and seek comment from the Air Force regarding administrative actions, duty status, and any command response related to the case.
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