A woman in St. Petersburg, Florida, has been arrested and charged with 41 counts linked to the alleged exploitation and abuse of her 11-year-old daughter, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the woman was detained after investigators traced illicit materials to a 38-year-old man who had been communicating with her online. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri revealed in a Facebook video that the suspect allegedly created and shared at least 14 illegal videos involving her child.
Gualtieri described the case as “one of the most disturbing instances of child abuse” his department has encountered. He added that the investigation is ongoing to determine whether the materials were distributed further or involved any financial transactions.
The victim has been placed in her father’s care under the supervision of Florida’s Department of Children and Families.
During a court appearance on Tuesday, the suspect was ordered to have no contact with her daughter and remains in custody at the Pinellas County Jail.
“The things that the mother did to the daughter are graphic and grotesque,” Gualtieri said. “These are the worst kinds of child abuse—gross sexual abuse of a young girl by her mother to satisfy an adult’s perverse craving.”
The Sheriff’s Office said further charges may follow as digital evidence is reviewed.
