Nationwide child porn investigation leads to Oregon couple's arrest, court documents say
(CBS) SALEM, Ore. - A Salem couple appeared in court Wednesday facing accusations that they took pictures and recorded videos of themselves performing sex acts on a young girl, CBS affiliate KPIC reports.
Federal agents arrested Michelle and Michael Freeman Tuesday after the couple called local police to turn themselves in, according to court documents.
The child exploitation-fighting unit of Homeland Security Investigations worked on the case and said Michelle produced child pornography videos featuring herself and her husband engaging in sexual contact with a 9-year-old girl.
Federal officers were working on the case since last year and issued a nationwide alert last month. They received a tip that a woman resembling Michelle Freeman may have recently worked in the Seattle-Tacoma area. At the time federal agents did not know her real name. After the plea made the rounds on Facebook, somebody called investigators saying they knew where the woman was.
"We use the same technology that they use to trade the child pornography to help the public help us identify them," said Special Agent in Charge Brad Bench.
Special Agent Mark Inman said investigators received several tips that the woman they were looking for was indeed Michelle Freeman, according to court documents. Officers from the Salem Police Department called Tuesday and spoke to Michelle, who said she was willing to turn herself in.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents showed up at the Freemans' house and arrested the husband and wife.
"This is a tragic example of children being manipulated and victimized," said Salem Police Chief Jerry Moore.
Inman said Michael Freeman admitted that he and his wife took sexual photos and videos of the 9-year-old girl while a 6-year-old girl was present.
Freeman said he was in a "bad place" when he did it, Inman wrote in court documents.
"I started it. Somehow she (Michelle Freeman) got involved," Michael told agents, according to court documents.
Michelle Freeman refused to speak with investigators about the allegations.
Court documents show the videos were filmed inside the master bedroom at the couple's home. Both were arrested and face federal charges for the sexual exploitation of a child. Agents have not said if they believe there are any other victims.
"Cases like this strike at the heart of all of us," said U.S. Attorney S. Amanda Marshall. "These arrests mark the culmination of a coast-to-coast, multi-agency investigation into allegations of horrendous acts of child sexual abuse and exploitation."