Bradenton Couple Sentenced to Life in Prison in Child Exploitation Case
A Bradenton couple has been sentenced to life in prison after separate juries found them guilty of sexually abusing children and creating explicit images and videos, according to court records.
Nicholas Bassler Jr., 26, was convicted on Dec. 9 of sexual battery by an adult on a child younger than 12, use of a child in a sexual performance, and possession of child pornography. Sierra Campany, 26, was convicted on Nov. 26 of two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under 12, two counts of using a child in a sexual performance, and possession of child pornography.
The investigation began in 2023 when the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit received cyber tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The information indicated that child sexual abuse materials were being transmitted from a Bradenton residence through a social media platform.
Detectives executed a search warrant at the home and seized multiple electronic devices. A forensic examination revealed numerous images and videos depicting both individuals engaged in illegal acts involving children.
Investigators identified three victims ranging in age from 10 months to 10 years old. The case resulted in the pair’s arrests in 2023 and ultimately led to life sentences for both defendants following their trials.
