SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A Seminole County judge on Friday set a $350,000 bond for a 15-year-old girl already accused of participating in an alleged plot to stab a classmate at Lake Brantley High School, after she was charged in a separate case involving child sexual abuse material.
Isabelle Valdez, of Altamonte Springs, faces 10 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Authorities say the teenager remains in custody at the Seminole County Jail while the case proceeds through the court system.
During Friday’s hearing, the judge set bond at $35,000 for each of the 10 counts, bringing the total bond amount to $350,000.
Court-imposed conditions reportedly prohibit Valdez from contacting anyone under the age of 18, accessing the internet, or visiting locations commonly frequented by children, including schools and parks.
According to FDLE, investigators opened the case in February after the Altamonte Springs Police Department reported discovering a digital file on Valdez’s cellphone that allegedly depicted the sexual abuse of children.
A subsequent forensic examination of the device reportedly uncovered multiple additional files, including videos involving very young children.
The charges are separate from an ongoing criminal case stemming from allegations that Valdez and another Lake Brantley High School student planned to attack a fellow student on campus earlier this year.
Prosecutors allege the two teenagers intended to lure a male classmate into a school bathroom and stab him.
Authorities say the alleged plot was disrupted after an anonymous tip alerted officials before the attack could take place.
Valdez and her co-defendant were arrested in January and have remained at the center of a high-profile juvenile case in Seminole County. Court records indicate both continue to face charges connected to the alleged school attack.
In recent court filings, Valdez reportedly expressed remorse for her actions and asked the court for leniency.
In a handwritten letter submitted to the judge, she stated that she has reflected on her decisions and is seeking help.
The FDLE investigation into the child sexual abuse material allegations remains active. The case is being prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s 18th Judicial Circuit.
As with all criminal cases, the charges against Valdez are allegations, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Video Credit:WKMG News 6
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