Couple Arrested On Child Sex Abuse And Pornography Charges

A Fort Drum soldier and her husband have been arrested on child sex abuse and pornography charges.

State police identified the couple as 27 year old Christopher Jansen and his 26 year old wife, Amanda.

Investigators executed a search warrant at the couple’s home at 435 South Hycliff Drive, Building 609, in Watertown on Thursday.

Both face the following charges:

- Possessing an obscene sexual performance by a child (felony)

- Predatory sexual assault on a child (felony)

- Criminal Sexual Act 1st degree (felony)

- Rape 1st degree (felony)

- Endangering the Welfare of Child (misdemeanor)

Police says the charges stem from an ongoing course of sexual conduct against children by both parties occurring throughout 2008.

“I’ve read the case and the case details and it’s very disturbing the way that this happened. Unfortunately, it’s not anything I can comment on right now,” said Captain Mark Lincoln of the state police Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

The arrests were made after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

The Jansens were arraigned in Pamelia Town Court and were ordered held without bail at the Jefferson County Public Safety Building Jail.

Grand jury action is pending.

Investigators say the Jansens victimized three girls and a boy, who are from the same family.

Police said the couple has children, but wouldn’t say if they are the alleged victims.

The children are ages 16 months, 5 years, 8 years and 13 years.

Police said only that the children are in a safe place.

According to investigators, the Jansens met in Texas and that Christopher Jansen spent time in Kentucky.

As a result, state police are working with their counterparts in Kentucky and Texas on the investigation.

Although there have been no other reports, officials are concerned there are other victims.

“It’s certainly a very, very serious situation. Any time children are abused, it’s a very serious situation,” said Jefferson County District Attorney Cindy Intschert.

Police said Amanda Jansen is a soldier at Fort Drum with the 710th BSB.

Her rank is E-4.

Christopher Jansen works in the computer business, police said.

If you have any information about this case, state police want you to call them at 782-2112.

“If there’s other children out there that we need to find out about, get services, we’re looking for tips from the community,” said Captain Lincoln.

People are also encouraged to call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.

On the Web: www.cybertipline.com

See Rachel Kent’s report:

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