The husband of a missing Florida woman is behind bars after police say they found child pornography in his phone.
Mount Dora police arrested Brett Baldwin on Thursday on federal charges of child pornography possession. The arrest comes after a November 28 police search at the Mount Dora home of his missing wife, Nicole Baldwin, 41, who hasn’t been seen since November 2.
According to a criminal complaint by the Department of Homeland Security, investigators seized Brett Baldwin’s “for evidence relating to the missing person,” Click Orlando reports. On his phone, investigators found “dozens” of videos and images of child pornography, the complaint reads.
The complaint also indicated that Brett Baldwin had moved from the Mount Dora home to his mother’s home with two of his children, ages 11 and 13, who have reportedly not been enrolled in school. Investigators said he had plans to move to North Carolina.
“He has yet to enroll his children in a school, making it evident that this move out of the state of Florida will take place soon,” the complaint stated.
Meanwhile, the search continues for Nicole Baldwin.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Nicole was last seen at her home on Strathmore Circle off County Road 44. Her 20-year-old daughter, Alisha Baldwin, who had recently celebrated her birthday, said Nicole left behind all her belongings, including her phone, Apple watch, purse, debit card, and shoes.
Fox 35 reports that investigators removed several items during the November 28 search, including a phone, watch, and her husband’s car.
“It almost feels surreal right now. I never would have thought, you know, watching all these crime shows, until it happens to you, it’s just a crazy feeling,” Alisha said, adding that her mother is on medication for depression and anxiety.
Alisha told Click Orlando that they were in the process of moving from their home when her mother vanished.
“Going on without her has been ridiculously hard,” she said. “We were supposed to be moving out of this house together. Definitely a rough step doing this without my mom here.”
Baldwin is described as a white female who stands 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs around 135 pounds. She has blonde hair and hazel eyes. and was last seen wearing a pink nightgown, similar to a photo provided by Mount Dora police.
She has rose tattoos on her right hand and “tattoos of flowers on her left shoulder down to her elbow.”
“Hopefully, the cops can come up with something, the investigators,” Alisha said. “That would be the most helpful thing right now.”
Anyone with information on Baldwin’s whereabouts is urged to call Crimeline at 800-423-8477. Callers can leave an anonymous tip.
Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Family Handout]
