Life Sentence For Bradenton Child Pornographer

BRADENTON, FL — A 40-year-old Bradenton man was sentenced to life in prison Wednesday on child pornography charges.

The case against Nathan Bryan began to unfold in April 2014 when Bradenton Police Detective Kevin Bunch began an undercover investigation into Bryan’s activities. Bryan, police said at the time, was attempting to gain babysitting jobs by posting and answering ads place on such online websites as Craigslist.

“Mr. Bryan communicated with the Detective Bunch, who Mr. Bryan believed was the stepfather of an 8-year-old boy, and made plans to meet the ‘child’ for sex,” a Friday statement from the police department said. “Mr. Bryan also discussed various sex acts that he wanted to perform on the child.”

A prearranged meeting between Bryan and the “dad” occurred on June 21, 2015. Bryan reportedly shared a video in that meeting he had produced while babysitting on another occasion. That video contained explicit images of a young boy, police said.

Bryan was brought into federal custody that day.

On Wednesday, Feb. 3, U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday sentenced Bryan to life in federal prison on charges related to the production of child pornography and for attempting to entice a minor for illegal sexual activity. Bryan pleaded guilty to the charges on Oct. 25, 2015.

Police say Bryan may have other victims and they’re hoping they will step forward now that the man faces a life sentence.

Anyone with information about the Bryan case is asked to call Detective Bunch at 941-932-9380. Tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-866-634-8477 or going online to www.manateecrimestoppers.com.

Photo of Nathan Bryan courtesy of the Bradenton Police Department