Victoria Anne Cranmer, a 25-year-old babysitter from New Jersey, is accused of recording a video in which a toddler touches her exposed genitals. Her lawyer, Marissa Koerner, argues that the 14-second Snapchat clip shows an innocent moment, not a criminal act, blaming the child's lack of appreciation for personal space.
Lawyer's Defense
Koerner stated, "Anyone who has spent time caring for young children understands that children often have little appreciation for personal space or privacy." She added that the incident was "blown out of proportion" and that adults often record children's funny or spontaneous behavior. The video allegedly shows Cranmer laughing during the incident.
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation began on May 20 after a mother, referred to as Ms. P, found the video on an iPhone that previously belonged to Cranmer. Police identified Cranmer by her distinctive tattoos, including "boobs, a lightning bolt and a mushroom." Cranmer lived with Ms. P and regularly babysat her child and another woman's son, both around two years old.
After discovering the video, Ms. P handed the device to police. A search warrant uncovered several other Snapchat videos of Cranmer with the child. In one, Cranmer sits on a toilet with her genitals exposed as the child touches her. At least one video was posted to Snapchat.
Court Proceedings
At a New Jersey bail hearing, Cranmer sobbed as Judge Kenneth Palmer ruled she would remain in custody while the "bizarre" and "troubling" incident is investigated. Ms. H, mother of the other child, reported a change in her son's behavior after Cranmer cared for him, including an aversion to baths.
Cranmer was arrested and booked into Ocean County Jail. She faces charges of endangering the welfare of a child, manufacturing child sexual abuse material, and possession of child sexual abuse material.
