A Florida woman has been arrested after allegedly creating child sexual abuse material involving her own toddler at the request of an unknown individual online.
Jenna Ann Hoffmann, 21, faces charges including one count of cruelty toward a child by directing or promoting sexual performance, lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim under 12 years of age, possession of sexual performance of a child with intent to promote, use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony, and larceny, as per records from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.
When asked about the incident, the mother reportedly informed investigators that she consented to create the illegal videos in return for payment that she never obtained.
On September 23, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office sent a “tip” regarding child sexual abuse material, which they received “from a popular social media platform,” to the agency responsible for the arrest, as stated in a press release.
“The digital files depicted a female performing sex acts with a toddler,” the sheriff’s office said.
Investigators reportedly identified the adult within hours as a resident at an address on Snow Memorial Highway in Brooksville, a small town located approximately 80 miles due west of Orlando.
The sheriff’s office reported that detectives who arrived initially established contact with a family member. Following the presentation of a still image from one of the sexual abuse videos to a family member, they promptly recognized the child as Hoffman’s 23-month-old toddler.
“The family member then retrieved Hoffman from the residence,” according to the press release. “Hoffman exited the residence and agreed to speak to detectives.”
Following the administration of Miranda rights, the defendant reportedly confessed to the sexual abuse of her child, according to the sheriff’s office.
“Hoffman stated she was speaking with a stranger on social media who advised they would pay her to produce and send sexual videos involving her son,” the press release continues. “Hoffman said she made the videos at her residence and sent them but did not receive payment for the videos.”
According to the sheriff’s office, investigators subsequently executed a search warrant at the residence and reportedly acquired further evidence of the defendant’s crimes.
Hoffman was later arrested and is currently being held without bond at the Hernando County Detention Center.
A judge in Hernando County has already issued an order to keep the defendant on GPS monitoring in the event of potential pre-trial release, according to court records.
Court records do not indicate an attorney of record in the case; however, Hoffman completed an intake form stating that she has engaged a private attorney and intends to assert indigent status.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 22.
