Authorities in Florida have arrested a woman accused of forcing her 11-year-old daughter to perform explicit acts, which she filmed and distributed to individuals online. The suspect faces more than 40 criminal charges linked to child exploitation and abuse.
The woman, whose name and age have not been disclosed, was taken into custody at her home in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Monday, October 13, following an investigation by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
According to Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, detectives uncovered at least 14 explicit videos recorded between March and April, showing the child being coerced into various disturbing acts. Authorities discovered the materials after arresting a 38-year-old man who allegedly received and viewed the videos sent by the woman.
“The things that the mother did to the daughter are graphic and grotesque,” Gualtieri said in a briefing posted on Facebook. He described the incident as one of the most horrifying cases of child abuse he had seen in his career, calling it a “gross violation of trust and humanity.”
Investigators believe the woman and the man met online, though it remains unclear whether any financial exchange occurred.
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Authorities are also examining whether the videos were shared with other individuals.
Sheriff Gualtieri confirmed that the rest of the victim’s family was unaware of the ongoing abuse and that it did not extend to her sibling.
The child has since been placed in her father’s custody, while the Florida Department of Children and Families and victim advocates continue to provide support and supervision.
Law enforcement officials say the investigation is ongoing as they work to identify any additional recipients of the materials and ensure justice for the young victim.