Authorities Arrest Husband of Missing Florida Woman on Child Pornography Charge

 


In a shocking turn of events, a man previously under investigation in connection to his wife's disappearance has recently been apprehended on charges related to child pornography, according to information obtained by PEOPLE. Brett Baldwin, aged 43, hailing from Wildwood, Fla., was taken into custody on Thursday afternoon, facing federal allegations of possessing child pornography, as indicated by Marion County jail records. As of Friday morning, Baldwin remains detained without bond.

Nicole Baldwin, Brett's wife, went missing on November 2, and was last seen at their former residence in Mount Dora, Fla. Currently under scrutiny in a "missing person investigation," Baldwin's arrest on child pornography charges emerged as a surprising development in the ongoing inquiry, as reported by local WKMG.

Detectives, involved in the missing person case, reportedly seized Baldwin's iPhone last month to gather potential evidence related to his wife's disappearance. However, during the phone examination, authorities allege they uncovered 31 images and videos depicting child sex abuse, according to local WESH.

The Department of Homeland Security is now overseeing Baldwin's case, and his arrest occurred at his mother's residence, where he had recently moved with his two daughters. Alisha Baldwin, Brett's daughter, described a forceful entry and intense apprehension at their home, emphasizing that her father's arrest is unrelated to her mother's disappearance.

Baldwin's wife, Nicole, was officially reported missing on November 5, three days after she was last seen by her daughter Alisha at their Mount Dora home. Personal belongings belonging to Nicole, including her Apple watch, purse, cards, and car, were discovered at the residence, as reported by Fox 35. The Mount Dora Police Department has announced a $5,000 reward for any information leading to Nicole's safe return, urging the community to unite in the effort.

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