Zimmerman Kidnapping Suspect Faces Federal Charges
Zimmerman, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — Federal authorities have announced new charges against Joseph Andrew Bragg, 29, of International Falls.
The charges are tied to the alleged kidnapping of a 7-year-old Zimmerman girl in January.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota announced the federal case on Thursday, May 28.
Bragg is now charged with kidnapping and attempted transportation of a minor victim.
Federal prosecutors also charged him with production and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Those charges involve a second minor victim, according to federal officials.
Amber Alert Led To Arrest
State charges were filed against Bragg in January.
Those charges include kidnapping and criminal sexual conduct.
The case began after the child was last seen getting off a school bus.
Authorities said she was last seen around 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 21.
Her mother later reported her missing that afternoon.
The mother also reported an unusual online contact before the disappearance.
According to court records, the contact used the Facebook name “Joseph Bragg.”
The person claimed to work in childcare and offered babysitting services.
The mother later blocked the profile, according to the complaint.
Child Found In Albert Lea
A truck tied to Bragg was stopped around 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 22.
The stop happened in Albert Lea, about 140 miles from Zimmerman.
Authorities said Bragg and the missing child were found inside the vehicle.
The child was taken to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea for evaluation.
Court records said the child reported unwanted contact during the incident.
Investigators Seek More Information
Federal prosecutors said investigators later found several video and photo files.
Authorities said the files showed child sexual abuse material involving multiple minor victims.
Bragg made his first federal court appearance on Thursday.
A judge ordered him detained as the case moves forward.
The FBI said the allegations are deeply serious and may involve more victims.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the FBI.
Tips can be reported by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI, or 1-800-225-5324.
Information can also be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov.
All charges are allegations at this stage.
Bragg is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.