Florida, September 21: A Manatee County, Florida, couple has been arrested on charges of possessing, transmitting, and producing child pornography, as well as capital sexual battery involving children between the ages of 10 months and 10 years old. Nicholas Bassler Jr, 24, and Sierra Campany, 24, now face the possibility of life imprisonment without parole. According to multiple reports, the investigation began in June 2023 after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children alerted the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office about child sexual abuse material being shared on Facebook.

Detectives traced the transmissions to the couple's residence in Bradenton, leading to a search warrant. During the execution of the warrant, a tablet and other electronic devices were seized. Forensic analysis of these devices uncovered numerous images and videos of child exploitation, including the couple engaging in sexual acts with three young victims. Campany was arrested on September 14 for capital sexual battery, while Bassler Jr was arrested the following day on the same charge. 'Hostage Situation' on Yatch in Florida: Miami Police Arrest Multiple People After Reported Armed Robbery Aboard Ship in US (Watch Video).

Both suspects have also been charged with possession, transmission, and production of child pornography. Authorities believe there may be additional victims and are unging anyone with information to contact the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Crimes Against Children detectives. The investigation remains ongoing, and investigators are also exploring the possibility of further charges in connection with the case. Brain-Eating Amoeba Naegleria Fowleri-Linked Death Reported in US; Florida Resident Dies of Rear Infection After Using Tap Water To Clean Sinuses.

Sheriff Rick Wells expressed his shock and disgust at the crimes, describing them as "pure evil." He also revealed that the couple had travelled to New York with one of the victims, prompting potential outreach to law enforcement in that state. Sheriff Wells urged parents to pay close attention to their children's electronic devices and emphasised the importance of setting high privacy settings for their protection.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 21, 2023 08:25 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).