Ex-teacher's aide at Christian school assaulted boy, sent nudes to him and friends, got 'flirty' when he was 12: Court docs



A former teacher's aide at a Wisconsin Christian school has been accused of having sex with a boy she reportedly began getting "flirty" with when he was just 12 years old.

Stephanie Jensen, 41, was arrested Nov. 4.

'Victim 1 mentioned Stephanie Jensen was not only sending him nude pictures, but that she was sending his buddies nude content as well.'

According to the Wisconsin Circuit Court, Jensen was hit with 13 charges, including four counts of exposing genitals, pubic area, or intimate parts to a child; four counts of child enticement by exposing genitals, pubic area, or intimate parts; three counts of sexual intercourse with a child 16 or older by an actor 19 or older; second-degree sexual assault of a child; and possession of child pornography.

The New York Post, citing allegations laid out in the criminal complaint, reported that Jensen had worked as a second-grade classroom aide at the Faith Lutheran School in Fond du Lac.

The Faith Lutheran School has a primary goal to "teach students in grades 3K-8 about the love of Jesus in a safe Christian environment."

As outlined in the criminal complaint, WBAY-TV reported that when the boy was in eighth grade, the pair would "regularly bump into each other on campus before she started the illegal relationship."

Citing the criminal complaint, the Post reported that the boy told investigators Jensen started becoming "flirty" with him when he was only 12 years old.

The boy told investigators that he first had sex with the former teacher's aide in September 2024 — shortly before his 16th birthday, according to charging documents.

The student — identified as "Victim 1" in the criminal complaint — told investigators he remembered the pair first had sex when he was 15 years old because it happened shortly before he obtained his driver's license, according to charging records.

The student told investigators that he had sex with Jensen four times until he was 17 years old, according to court documents.

WLUK-TV said charging documents it reviewed indicate Jensen sent nude photos to the boy and also to his friends: "Victim 1 said word traveled throughout his friend group that she was willing to share so people he knew would add her to see what she would share with them."

The criminal complaint said Jensen allegedly admitted to detectives that she sent sexual content but denied having sex with the boy in question.

According to the New York Post, a detective informed Jensen that she was being placed under arrest, but she allegedly replied, "I am not under arrest," and she reportedly refused to stand up from the couch.

The criminal complaint stated that the detective had to pull Jensen from the couch by her arm and that officers struggled to handcuff the suspect until police ordered her to stop.

RELATED: Middle school teacher accused of raping her former student who's now in high school, sending nude video of herself to teen

Following her arrest, Faith Lutheran School fired Jensen, according to school officials.

Faith Lutheran School Principal Benjamin Rank told WLUK:

Faith Lutheran School has terminated the employment of Stephanie Jensen upon formal charges being filed in court on Monday. The faculty, staff, and administration at Faith are committed to the safety and care of our students, staff, families, and community. We pray for all who are affected by these events as we continue to put our faith and trust in the Lord.

A judge initially ordered Jensen to have no contact with the victim, his family, or other minors and not to use social media, drugs, or alcohol.

In an update from WBAY, a judge allowed Jensen to have contact with her own children but not with other minors.

Jensen's cash bond was set at $200,000, and she is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 17.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Neighbors allegedly noticed something suspicious — now a teacher is accused of 'extremely disturbing' sex assault of student



An Illinois middle school teacher has been accused of sexually assaulting a student after her neighbors noticed something suspicious about her house and tipped off police, according to authorities.

Jessica Bergmann — a 34-year-old teacher at Washington Middle School in Aurora — was arrested on Friday without incident. Bergmann was charged with felony criminal sexual assault by a person in a position of authority and two felony counts for aggravated criminal sexual abuse, the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office said in a Saturday statement.

'Cases involving alleged abuse by a teacher strike at the core of community trust.'

Bergmann was released from custody after her initial court appearance, but she was ordered to have no contact with anyone under the age of 18 years old, the attorney’s office said.

The state's attorney's office said the Wheaton Police Department began an investigation after receiving leads about "suspicious incidents involving a minor male and an adult female."

The Daily Herald said it obtained court documents indicating that the Wheaton Police Department launched an investigation in October after concerned neighbors tipped off law enforcement that a young male made frequent visits to Bergmann's home.

The state's attorney's office said in the press release that Bergmann first met the alleged victim when he was a student at Washington Middle School. Bergmann — a math teacher at the school — also was a coach on a school soccer team, of which the boy was a member, according to prosecutors.

The attorney's office noted that the student graduated from middle school, but Bergmann and the boy began "communicating via text messages and phone calls" when he was a sophomore in high school.

DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin and Wheaton Police Department Chief P.J. Youker accused Bergmann of having an "inappropriate sexual relationship with a student."

The DuPage County State's Attorney's Office stated:

It is alleged that at some point in time, the relationship between the two turned sexual. It is further alleged that the relationship progressed further and that the victim would frequently go to Bergmann’s home, occasionally staying overnight, where the two would engage in sexual intercourse.

RELATED: Shocking texts allegedly reveal sinister plan by teacher and her boyfriend to groom, sex traffic her student

Berlin declared, "The profound abuse of trust and authority allegedly displayed by Ms. Bergmann is extremely disturbing and will be met with the full force of the law."

Berlin also said in his statement:

Teachers are entrusted with our students’ well-being. They are given the awesome responsibility to guide and protect our students, not to harm or exploit them. A teacher who takes advantage of a student, as alleged in this case, is not only breaking the law, but they are also breaking the trust placed in them by the community, the school, and the victim’s family.

Chief Youker said of the alleged sexual abuse allegations:

Cases involving alleged abuse by a teacher strike at the core of community trust. This behavior is unacceptable, and the Wheaton Police Department is dedicated to fully investigating any reports involving this allegation, to fully ensure the safety of our community and our children.

The DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center assisted in the investigation, according to authorities.

The Daily Herald noted that the student is now 17 years old.

At the time of publication, Bergmann was not listed on the employee directory for West Aurora School District 129.

Washington Middle School Principal Marchel Rogers and West Aurora School District 129 Superintendent Michael Smith did not immediately respond to Blaze News' request for comment.

Bergmann is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 1 in front of Judge Margaret O’Connell.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Mother chaperoned junior high dance — then had a baby with her daughter's teen date: Court docs



An Illinois mother has been charged with criminal sexual assault and possession of child porn after she allegedly had a baby with her daughter's teen friend, according to multiple reports.

The Washington Police Department arrested Robyn Polston, 43, on Nov. 3. Polston is being detained without bail while her case is pending, according to the New York Post.

'Officers were able to get search warrants for the boy’s phone and found several images, allegedly showing him and Polston engaged in sexual activity.'

Polston was charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault with a victim between the ages of 13 and 17 and two counts of possession of child pornography, according to a court filing People magazine obtained. If convicted on all charges, Polston faces up to 60 years in prison.

Local law enforcement said officers launched an investigation in February after Polston gave birth to a baby in January, WMBD-TV reported.

A probable cause affidavit stated that Polston told investigators that the father was a man in his 20s, who she claimed hadn't seen the baby since the child was born.

However, investigators noticed that the baby's middle and last name on the birth certificate and other records matched the name of a teen, according to court documents filed last week in Tazewell County Circuit Court.

Investigators said the 14-year-old victim attended a junior high dance with Polston's daughter in May 2023, according to the affidavit. Polston served as a chaperone at the dance, court documents said.

The probable cause affidavit also said the boy moved out of state but returned to the Central Illinois area for a visit in April 2024 — approximately 40 weeks before Polston gave birth to the baby.

In August 2024, the teen moved back to live with the family of a "friend," according to the affidavit.

RELATED: Shocking texts allegedly reveal sinister plan by teacher and her boyfriend to groom, sex traffic her student

Citing the affidavit, WKRC-TV reported that law enforcement officers discovered "a large number of sexually explicit images and videos depicting [the alleged victim] and Polston."

WMBD reported, "Officers were able to get search warrants for the boy’s phone and found several images, allegedly showing him and Polston engaged in sexual activity. Some of the pictures were clearly taken by her, the affidavit stated."

Citing prosecutors, WEEK-TV reported that Polston and the alleged victim "used burner phones under fake names to protect their identities, and she allegedly tried to get the minor to participate in a cover-up."

A DNA test confirmed that Polston and the alleged victim are the parents of the newborn baby, according to the affidavit.

Polston is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 4.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Ex-cop reportedly dead by suicide after being accused of sex with wife in front of kids, distributing child porn



A former New Jersey cop committed suicide at a state park just months after he and his wife were arrested for allegedly having sex in front of children, according to authorities.

'These actions are not only abhorrent but have also shaken our community’s sense of security and trust in those who are sworn to protect us.'

Brian DiBiasi — a former officer with the Hamilton Police Department facing child sexual abuse charges — was found dead on Tuesday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound near the Delaware River inside Washington Crossing State Park in Hopewell, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to WKXW-FM.

DiBiasi, 40, was a veteran officer, with the department for 21 years.

As Blaze News previously reported, New Jersey State Police arrested DiBiasi and his wife on Jan. 29 in connection with alleged child sex crimes.

The New York Daily News reported that DiBiasi was charged with permitting a child to engage in pornography, sexual conduct with a child by a caretaker, knowingly possessing/viewing/controlling items of child sexual exploitation or abuse, and distribution and storing of child pornography.

Elizabeth DiBiasi — the 43-year-old wife of Brian DiBiasi — was charged with sexual conduct with a child by a caretaker.

At the time of her arrest, Elizabeth was an 18-year veteran with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.

The couple was released from Monmouth County Jail shortly after their arrest.

Brian DiBiasi was terminated from his job after the charges were filed against him.

RELATED: Florida teacher arrested, hit with charges of indecent liberties with a minor from another state

(L to R) Brian DiBiasi; Elizabeth DiBiasi. Image source: Monmouth County (N.J.) Jail

The New Jersey Attorney General's Office said in a statement that the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children notified law enforcement in New Jersey on Jan. 28 that a mobile messaging platform user "allegedly uploaded and distributed unidentified, possibly newly produced or homemade content, specifically, image and video files of suspected child sexual exploitation/abuse material."

"The user allegedly distributed multiple media files containing nude images of his wife in the presence of children," the statement read. "In the chat logs, the suspect allegedly mentioned children being present while he and his wife had sex. The cyber tip line reported a total of 36 files allegedly uploaded from an account belonging to the user."

Law enforcement said they tracked down the online user to the couple's home in Hamilton Township and conducted a raid at the residence on the morning of Jan. 29.

Citing court documents, NJ.com reported in February that Brian DiBiasi admitted to investigators that he was the owner of the mobile messaging platform account and confessed to distributing the files.

Elizabeth DiBiasi denied knowing about the account, according to court documents.

Elizabeth's attorney, Jerome Ballarotto, recently told the New York Post, "Nobody saw this coming. Brian’s case wasn’t that bad, because what he did was not good but it wasn’t nearly as serious as what he was accused of doing. This could have been worked out."

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin declared in January, "Sexual offenses against children are among the most serious crimes we charge. It's especially disturbing when, as in this case, the accused are members of law enforcement."

Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin previously stated in a press release, "These actions are not only abhorrent but have also shaken our community’s sense of security and trust in those who are sworn to protect us."

The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and the Hamilton Police Department did not immediately respond to Blaze News' request for comment.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Shocking texts allegedly reveal sinister plan by teacher and her boyfriend to groom, sex traffic her student



Shocking text messages allegedly have revealed a sinister plan by a Nebraska high school teacher and her boyfriend to groom and sex traffic her 16-year-old student.

Police said 36-year-old Elizabeth Jamie Love and her boyfriend, 42-year-old Jarid "Jack" Krause, were arrested Friday.

'It's a huge risk. We might not find the right girl for us.'

The Phelps County Attorney’s Office charged both suspects with one count of sex trafficking of a minor (a Class IB Felony). Love also was hit with a charge of sexual grooming by a school employee (a Class IV Felony).

If convicted, Love and Krause face up to life in prison and a lifetime on the Nebraska Sex Offender Registry.

Love and Krause were booked into the Phelps County Jail and held on bonds of $250,000 cash each, police stated.

Police noted that Love had been a transition coordinator and educator in the Educational Service Unit No. 11 for several years, during which she traveled to as many as 15 schools in the south-central part of Nebraska.

The Holdrege Police Department said in a statement, "The investigation into Ms. Love and Mr. Krause began after a current high school student, whom Ms. Love was instructing through her employment as a transition coordinator and teacher in ESU-11, reported inappropriate interactions with the couple over the past few weeks."

RELATED: Ex-middle school teacher — guilty of 21 counts of sex crimes against daughter's underage babysitter — learns her fate

Police said the investigation began Oct. 14 after reports of possible sex abuse of a 16-year-old student.

Authorities said Love communicated with the teen through text messages, Facebook Messenger, and non-school email addresses.

Citing the arrest affidavit, People magazine reported that the alleged victim is a girl who told investigators she and Love "developed a close relationship, which has evolved into talking about things going on in [her] life beyond the normal scope of a speech therapist/educator."

The alleged victim said she had worked with Love since she was in seventh grade, according to the affidavit.

Court documents said the teen told investigators she considered moving into Love's home in Holdrege on weekdays so she could attend a school in another district.

The student said she was in Love's car in August when Love had a phone conversation with Krause, the affidavit stated.

During the phone call, Krause said he wanted to have sex with Love, and Love later told the student she "would be willing to share" Krause, according to the arrest affidavit.

The student said she was supposed to attend the state fair with Love that day, but the conversation made her so "uncomfortable" that she called her aunt to pick her up, court documents said.

During an alleged incident on Oct. 11, Love picked up the teen from her home and took her to Love's house, court documents said.

People magazine reported, "The student alleged that while she was there, Krause led her to an upstairs bedroom and made a request she believed was for sex."

'We'll find the girl that appreciates us for what we are and provide. Someone who sees the value of our family and one that loves us both more than anything.'

The outlet added that the alleged victim declined Krause's advances and asked to leave.

The affidavit said the student left the house and began walking home until Love picked up the teen in a car and drove the alleged victim home.

Nebraska-TV reported, "The affidavit said the girl told investigators Love apologized to her, told her not to tell anyone, and gave her $100 in $20 increments."

When police later interviewed Love, the educator insisted the payments were not intended as "hush money" but rather a gift to help the girl purchase a new cell phone, according to court documents.

Citing text messages revealed in the affidavit, People magazine reported that Love and Krause "spoke about the student as early as April, before seemingly planning to proposition the student for sex in August" and to determine "if she's not feeling it."

The affidavit also said the couple discussed developing a "code phrase" to use that would "help [Love] know if she's interested or not."

Another text message revealed in the affidavit indicated Love told Krause she hoped the proposition "works out" and added that "if she doesn't want to, then I'll keep looking."

Krause messaged Love about "[finding] our person," according to the affidavit.

"We'll find the girl that appreciates us for what we are and provide. Someone who sees the value of our family and one that loves us both more than anything," Krause wrote to Love, according to court documents.

The affidavit claimed Love then asked Krause if they should "start the paperwork for foster care."

According to court documents, Krause replied, "Do you think it's time for that? It's a huge risk. We might not find the right girl for us."

The arrest affidavit said Love responded, "I know. But I also don't have to take them all. Even though I want to. Haha."

ESU-11 administrator John Poppert told Blaze News that Love was placed on administrative leave "as soon as the ESU learned of the allegations."

"The ESU has cooperated fully with the Holdrege Police Department investigation," Poppert noted. "The administration also contacted the ESU’s attorney. We will continue to work closely with law enforcement, and we thank them for their efforts in this matter."

During the investigation, the Holdrege Police Department received assistance from the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, Kearney Police Department, Minden Police Department, the Nebraska State Patrol, and the Nebraska Department of Justice.

Police said investigators have yet to find any evidence that Love had inappropriate interactions with other current or former students.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Holdrege Police Department at 308-995-4407.

The Holdrege Police Department and the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department did not immediately respond to Blaze News' request for comment.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Florida teacher arrested, hit with charges of indecent liberties with a minor from another state



A former teacher was arrested in Florida for alleged child sex crimes committed in another state.

Jordan Kacie Hawk, 26, was arrested Tuesday.

'The incidents took place earlier this year when Ms. Hawk was teaching at a local school and involved a juvenile student.'

WPLG-TV reported that Hawk was "wanted by police in the Charlotte suburb of Kannapolis, North Carolina."

The arrest report said Hawk had an active warrant from the Kannapolis Police Department since Oct. 17.

Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation records show Hawk is being detained for a fugitive warrant and awaiting extradition out of state.

The Kannapolis Police Department in North Carolina told Blaze News that Hawk was charged with four counts of taking indecent liberties with a minor.

"The incidents took place earlier this year when Ms. Hawk was teaching at a local school and involved a juvenile student," police in North Carolina stated.

N.C. police said Hawk is "expected to be extradited to North Carolina and taken into custody by the Kannapolis Police Department."

WPLG reported that Hawk "indicated that she wanted to waive extradition proceedings to North Carolina" during a court appearance Wednesday.

RELATED: Female ex-teacher, cheerleading coach indicted, accused of sexual misconduct with student

Hawk reportedly lost her job at a Florida elementary school.

Citing a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office arrest report, WPLG reported that Hawk was listed as a social studies teacher at Miami Lakes K-8 Center.

A spokesperson for Miami-Dade County Public Schools told WTVJ-TV that it was "aware of the arrest of a Miami Lakes K-8 Center employee for an alleged incident that occurred out of state."

"M-DCPS is cooperating with authorities involved in this matter," the school district spokesperson added. "The individual’s employment has been terminated and will be prohibited from future employment with this district."

Authorities in North Carolina have 30 days to pick up Hawk, or else she will be released from jail in Miami, according to WTVJ.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Blaze News.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Notorious pedophile Ian Watkins killed in prison; cops round up suspects in apparent murder of disgraced Lostprophets singer



The former singer of the Welsh rock band Lostprophets, Ian Watkins, recently was attacked and killed in prison, according to authorities. Watkins was serving a sentence for multiple pedophilia-related offenses, including attempting to rape a baby.

Police in England said Watkins was murdered at His Majesty's Prison Wakefield in Great Britain on the morning of Oct. 11.

'Extensive inquiries remain ongoing in relation to the murder of Ian Watkins, and these arrests form part of that.'

Watkins, 48, was pronounced dead at HMP Wakefield despite being given medical treatment for injuries suffered during a "serious assault."

Last week, British authorities announced the arrest of two men — 25-year-old Rashid Gedel and 43-year-old Samuel Dodsworth. Both suspects were charged with murder in connection with Watkins' death.

The West Yorkshire Police Department said in a statement Tuesday that two other men — ages 23 and 39 — also were arrested in connection with Watkins' death and charged with suspicion of conspiracy to murder. Police did not name the two new suspects.

The senior investigating officer in the alleged murder said the investigation is ongoing.

Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team with the West Yorkshire Police Department stated, "Extensive inquiries remain ongoing in relation to the murder of Ian Watkins, and these arrests form part of that."

"Ian Watkins' family are being updated as the investigation progresses," Entwistle said. "However, we do not anticipate any immediate developments at this stage."

A spokesperson for the His Majesty's Prison Service told the BBC that it was aware of an incident at the prison but was "unable to comment further while the police investigate."

The West Yorkshire Police Department and HMP Wakefield did not immediately respond to Blaze News' request for comment.

RELATED: Pair of convicted pedophiles — one who raped, murdered 3-year-old girl — die on same night in same prison

Photo by Marc Grimwade/WireImage

The Mirror noted that HMP Wakefield is known as "Monster Mansion," which "houses some of the U.K.'s most infamous and dangerous criminals, ranging from serial killers to terrorists and habitual rapists."

Watkins appeared in court in 2019 after a mobile phone reportedly was discovered in his prison cell. Watkins told magistrates that he was imprisoned among "murderers, mass murderers, rapists, pedophiles, serial killers — the worst of the worst," according to the Guardian.

Previously, Watkins was stabbed in prison while serving time for his child sex crimes.

As Blaze News reported in August 2023, Watkins was held hostage by three fellow HMP Wakefield prisoners for several hours and stabbed.

The Mirror previously reported, "The prison had to wait until a 'Tornado Crew' could be assembled — specialist officers trained in hostage situations. The three prisoners kept Watkins hostage for almost six hours — it is believed the attack took place on B wing, where 70 percent of the prisoners are serving life and 20 percent serving 10 years or more. So serious were his injuries, it is understood that he received emergency treatment from paramedics in an ambulance on the prison estate."

Watkins was arrested in December 2012 and hit with several child sex crime charges.

"During trial, it was revealed that the password to encrypted files on Watkins' computer was 'I F*K KIDZ,'" Rolling Stone previously reported.

In December 2013, Watkins pleaded guilty to 13 charges, including conspiring to rape a child, three counts of sexual assault of children, seven counts involving making or possessing indecent images of children, and one count of possessing an extreme pornographic image involving a sex act on an animal.

The judge during the sentencing hearing described Watkins' crimes as "plumbing new depths of depravity," according to the Guardian.

The disgraced singer was sentenced to 29 years in prison.

Watkins' former band, Lostprophets, was founded in 1997 and topped the U.K. charts in 2006 after the release of its third album, "Liberation Transmission." Lostprophets broke up in 2013 when Watkins was sentenced to prison.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Florida mom accused of vile child porn crimes against her daughter — could face death penalty for sexual battery charges



A Florida mother has been hit with more than 40 charges related to "grotesque" child pornography and sexual battery involving her 11-year-old daughter. The mom could face the death penalty if she is convicted of the horrific crimes.

On Monday, a 34-year-old woman from St. Petersburg was arrested by detectives and hit with 41 total charges, including 13 counts of transmission of child pornography, 13 counts of sexual performance by a child, four counts of capital sexual battery, four counts of aggravated child abuse, three counts of lewd or lascivious molestation, three counts of sexual activities involving animals, and one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

'This is nuts. I don't know how else to describe it.'

The mother could face the death penalty if convicted of capital sexual battery of a person under 12 years of age.

The suspect was transported to the Pinellas County Jail and remains in custody without bond.

Police urged that the name of the female suspect not be released to protect the child’s identity. A 38-year-old male was also not identified because the investigation is ongoing.

Police said the man involved in the child sexual abuse material case is facing several felony charges, including child pornography and traveling to meet a minor to engage in sex.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said in a statement, "Detectives began their investigation after learning that a 38-year-old male subject was involved in obtaining child pornography and meeting with young children."

Police said detectives determined that the male obtained child porn from the female suspect.

"Detectives learned that the woman had been forcing her 11-year-old daughter to perform sexual acts on the suspect, herself, and the family dog," police stated. "Detectives say that the suspect would record and photograph these incidents, sharing them with a 38-year-old male."

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said during a press conference, "The things that the mother did to the daughter are graphic, and they are grotesque."

"During March and April of this year, the mother created at least 14 videos of her 11-year-old daughter posing at the mother’s direction and engaging in various sex acts, including bestiality with the family dog," Gualtieri stated.

Gualtieri noted that the mother used sex toys on her daughter.

"These acts constitute sexual battery or, as commonly referred to as rape, and because of the child’s age, the mother’s crimes are capital offenses punishable by death," Gualtieri said.

Sheriff Gualtieri said the mother admitted to forcing her daughter to perform sex acts on video and sending the videos to the man when she was interviewed by detectives.

Gualtieri added, "These cases are the worst cases of child abuse, and in this case, it’s not just sexually abusing a child; it’s gross sexual abuse of a young girl by her mother to satisfy an adult with a perverse craving for watching kids engaged in sex acts."

Investigators are attempting to determine whether money was exchanged for the illicit videos.

Gualtieri said investigators are looking into whether the mother sent explicit videos to others.

RELATED: Dad who fostered about 20 children caught with child porn while leaving cruise with pregnant wife, kids: Affidavit

The sheriff said the victim's father and a sibling lived in the same home. He added that investigators do not believe the father was involved in the alleged child sex crimes. The victim is being taken care of by the father, but the Department of Children and Families is "very involved" in the case.

Gualtieri said there are no indications so far that the sibling was sexually exploited by the mother.

The mother made her first court appearance on Tuesday, when a judge ordered the suspect not to have any contact with her daughter.

WTVT-TV reported that the father was at the hearing, and he was "visibly upset and appeared to be praying at one point."

Gualtieri stressed that there is a significant issue with child pornography crimes.

The sheriff noted that 84 different people have been booked into the Pinellas County Jail on child pornography charges since January, resulting in approximately 900 charges of possessing or distributing child pornography.

"Think about that: That's 900 different videos of kids, mostly in the 5- to 12-year-old range, engaged in perverse sex acts for the pleasure of adults who seek, obtain, and watch these videos," Gualtieri said.

"This is nuts. I don't know how else to describe it. It's ruining kids' lives," Gualtieri said of the outbreak of child porn crimes.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Father accused of murdering 67-year-old alleged rapist of his 14-year-old daughter makes startling bid for public office



An Arkansas father accused of murdering the 67-year-old alleged rapist of his 14-year-old daughter is making a surprising bid for public office after he said the "system failed" him and his family.

Aaron Spencer, 37, announced last week that he's is running for Lonoke County Sheriff. As it happens, the Lonoke County Sheriff's Office investigated last year's headline-grabbing case involving Spencer.

'Through my own fight for justice, I have seen firsthand the failures in law enforcement and in our circuit court.'

The Facebook video from Spencer's campaign is captioned: "It’s time to bring trust, accountability, and safety back to our community. Join us on this journey to build a sheriff’s office you can believe in!"

In the campaign video, Spencer notes that "many of you know my story."

"I'm the father who acted to protect his daughter when the system failed," Spencer says.

Spencer adds that he is a husband, a combat veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division, a contractor, and a farmer.

"Through my own fight for justice, I have seen firsthand the failures in law enforcement and in our circuit court," Spencer states. "I refuse to stand by while others face these same failures."

Spencer also stresses in the video, "This campaign isn’t about me. It's about every parent, every neighbor, every family who deserves to feel safe in their homes and safe in their community. It’s about restoring trust, where neighbors know law enforcement is on their side and families know that they will not be left alone in a moment of need."

RELATED: Thug allegedly recorded himself raping woman at gunpoint — before she shot him

As Blaze News reported last October, Spencer was arrested after authorities said he fatally shot 67-year-old Michael Fosler, who reportedly was in a vehicle with Spencer's 14-year-old daughter.

Spencer reportedly went to his daughter's bedroom to check on her. Citing an affidavit, CNN said the daughter was gone, but there was a stuffed animal wrapped in her hoodie under the blankets in her bed.

The Lonoke County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that deputies were dispatched regarding a missing teen at approximately 1:12 a.m. Oct. 8, 2024. However, while en route, deputies were notified that Spencer had located his daughter in a vehicle with Fosler.

The affidavit states that Spencer used his vehicle to rear-end Fosler’s Ford F-150 truck at an intersection, forcing it off the road.

"A confrontation between the two adult males ensued, which resulted in a shooting," the Lonoke County Sheriff's Office stated.

According to the affidavit, Spencer told police that he "had no choice" but to shoot Fosler.

The New York Post, citing the affidavit, reported that Spencer told investigators that Fosler "lunged towards him" with something in his hand and shouted, "F**k you!"

The affidavit states Spencer fired at Fosler until his weapon was empty and then jumped on him and pistol-whipped him.

Police said Fosler was pronounced dead at the crime scene.

Citing court records, the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette reported that Fosler was out on bond at the time of the shooting after being arrested and charged with two counts each of fourth-degree sexual assault, sexual indecency with a child, and internet stalking of a child. Fosler also faced one count of electronic facilitation of child sexual abuse and 35 counts of pandering or possessing depictions of sexual conduct involving a child.

CNN added that "the family had been on edge" and that "three months earlier the teen, then 13, revealed she’d been sexually abused by a 67-year-old man she met at the home of a family friend."

Spencer was arrested and soon charged with second-degree murder. Spencer was released on a surety bond and has pleaded not guilty.

Spencer's pretrial hearing is scheduled for Dec. 17.

RELATED: Couple allegedly tries to sell 2-month-old baby for cash, 6-pack of beer because it's 'not working having 3 dogs and a baby'

A Change.org petition titled "Absolve Aaron David Spencer of Charges Stemming from Saving his Daughter's Life" was launched and has more than 361,000 signatures.

Spencer's wife, Heather, said in a GiveSendGo fundraiser that her daughter had been "targeted, groomed, and ultimately raped by the boyfriend of a family friend," the Post reported.

"We let the justice system do its job," Heather Spencer said. "The monster who hurt our child was charged quickly, but released even faster on a $50k bond. He was awaiting court in December for several felonies in relation to what he did to our child."

The mother called her husband a "hero" and said that her "child would have not come home if my husband hadn’t found her."

Lonoke County Sheriff Jeff Staley told the Democrat Gazette that he couldn't comment on the Spencer case because of the pending trial.

But Staley did say in an emailed statement, "I will be seeking re-election to continue being your Lonoke County sheriff. Since 2013, I have served as sheriff of Lonoke County with a clear mission — to protect our citizens and hold those who break the law accountable. From day one, our focus has been on three major threats to our communities: drug traffickers, sexual predators, and thieves."

The Lonoke County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Blaze News.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

CNN asks Trump if he would pardon Ghislaine Maxwell?!



After the Supreme Court declined to hear Ghislaine Maxwell’s appeal, President Trump was thrown into the hot seat by CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, who asked the president whether or not he intended to pardon her himself.

“You know, I haven’t heard the name in so long. I can say this: that I’d have to take a look at it. I would have to take a look,” he responded, asking Collins, “Did they reject that?”

“She wanted to appeal her conviction. They said that they were not going to hear her appeal,” Collins answered.

“I see. Well, I’ll take a look at it. I will speak to the DOJ. I wouldn’t consider it or not consider it; I don’t know anything about it. I will speak to the DOJ,” he answered.


“I have a lot of people who have asked me for pardons. I call him Puff Daddy, has asked me for a pardon,” he added.

“But she was convicted of child sex trafficking,” Collins interjected.

BlazeTV host Liz Wheeler isn't impressed by Collins' line of questioning.

“Kaitlan Collins was obviously trying to set President Trump up by asking whether he would pardon Ghislaine Maxwell because she wanted to be outraged by the idea that Trump would pardon Ghislaine Maxwell,” Wheeler says on “The Liz Wheeler Show.”

“I don’t think he will pardon Ghislaine Maxwell, but I think it was not a question that was asked in good faith by CNN. It was an attempt to trick Trump into appearing to go soft on Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein,” she continues.

“So CNN, as always, can be completely discounted,” she adds.

Want more from Liz Wheeler?

To enjoy more of Liz’s based commentary, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.