SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. (WGNS News) - An extensive Internet Crimes Against Children investigation in Bedford County has resulted in multiple arrests and the identification of two victims, according to information released by the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office.
Detective Sgt. Chris Brown and Detective Savanah Martin with the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, who both serve as task force officers with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, conducted the investigation involving Brandon Zeigler.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Zeigler has been charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. As of Thursday night (08/20/2026), 41-year-old Zeigler is still being held at the Bedford County Jail in Shelbyville.
As Brown and Martin continued their investigation, authorities said they were able to identify two separate victims. The discoveries allowed investigators to take immediate action while continuing to follow evidence that extended beyond the scope of the initial investigation.
One of the victims was identified in Columbia, Tennessee. Information developed by Bedford County investigators was quickly forwarded to the appropriate jurisdiction, where authorities identified and charged an additional female suspect. The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office did not identify that suspect in its release or specify the charges she faces.
A second victim was also identified during the investigation. According to the Sheriff’s Office, that portion of the case resulted in Destiny Carswell being charged with aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor. 28-Year-old Carswell also remains in custody and is being held in the Bedford County Jail at this time.
The investigation also involved assistance from law enforcement agencies outside the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff’s officials specifically recognized Investigator Jamiee Seltz with the Columbia Police Department for what they described as a swift response and immediate action that assisted with the investigation and resulted in an arrest.
Detective Sgt. Samuel Campbell with the Shelbyville Police Department Digital Forensics Unit was also recognized for his assistance and the digital forensic work conducted during the investigation.
The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office noted that investigations involving the exploitation of children often extend across jurisdictional boundaries. Officials said cases such as this one demonstrate the importance of cooperation among local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as the investigative resources available through the ICAC Task Force.
Authorities indicated the investigation remains ongoing and are asking anyone who may have additional information involving Zeigler to contact the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators are also seeking information from anyone who believes they, or someone they know, may have had inappropriate contact with Zeigler.
The Sheriff’s Office stressed that even information that may initially appear insignificant could prove important to the ongoing investigation.
Bedford County authorities praised Brown and Martin for their work and thanked the investigators and agencies that assisted in identifying the victims and advancing the case.
The charges against Zeigler, Carswell and the additional suspect are allegations. Those charged are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
DISCLAIMER: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The arrest records or information about an arrest that are published or reported on NewsRadio WGNS and www.WGNSradio.com are not an indication of guilt or evidence that an actual crime has been committed.
