Bedford/Shelbyville: Pair Charged With Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

 

A thorough investigation conducted by members of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force has resulted in multiple arrests and the identification of two victims.

Detective Sergeant Chris Brown and Detective Savanah Martin with the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, both Task Force Officers with ICAC, conducted an extensive investigation involving Brandon Zeigler. As a result of that investigation, Zeigler has been charged with two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.

During the course of the investigation, Det. Sgt. Brown and Det. Martin were able to identify two separate victims, allowing investigators to take immediate action and continue following the evidence beyond the initial investigation.

One of the victims was identified in Columbia, Tennessee. Information developed during the investigation was quickly relayed to the appropriate jurisdiction, where an additional female suspect was identified and charged.

A second victim was also identified through the investigation, resulting in Destiny Carswell being charged with Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.

The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize and thank Investigator Jamiee Seltz with the Columbia Police Department for her swift response and immediate action in assisting with the investigation and making an arrest.

We would also like to thank Detective Sergeant Samuel Campbell with the Shelbyville Police Department Digital Forensics Unit for his assistance and the critical digital forensic work conducted during this investigation.

Cases involving the exploitation of children rarely stop at jurisdictional boundaries. Investigations such as this demonstrate the importance of cooperation between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and the resources provided through the ICAC Task Force.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have additional information regarding Brandon Zeigler, or who believes they or someone they know may have had inappropriate contact with Zeigler, to contact the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office. Any information, regardless of how insignificant it may seem, could be important to the ongoing investigation.

The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to identifying those who exploit children, locating and protecting victims, and working alongside our law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable.

We are especially proud of the diligent work of Det. Sgt. Brown and Det. Martin and grateful for every investigator and agency whose cooperation helped identify these victims and bring this investigation to this point.