Couple Sexually Abused Kids Including Baby: Manatee Sheriff

BRADENTON, FL — A couple faces charges related to child pornography materials that they shared with each other using Facebook, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Nicholas Bassler and Sierra Campany, both 24, were charged with capital sexual battery, and possession, transmission, and production of child pornography.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit received several cyber tips on June 5 from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about child sexual abuse materials transmitted over Facebook. They later learned the materials were sent between Bassler and Campany, the sheriff’s office said.

Investigators learned the material came from an address in the 5000 block of 23rd Street W. in Bradenton.

Detectives contacted Campany and Bassler on Sept. 13 and built probable cause for a search warrant for the home. When serving the search warrant, several electronic devices were taken, including the tablet listed in the cyber tip from NCMEC.

Numerous exploitation images and videos showing both Bassler and Campany performing sex acts on children were found on the devices, MCSO said. Detectives know of three victims ranging in age from 10 months to 10 years old.

Both Bassler and Campany have confessed to the crimes.

Investigators believe there could be more victims. Anyone who suspects a child has had contact with Bassler or Campany is urged to contact Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Crimes Against Children detectives at 941-747-3011 Ext. 2522.