New York couple babysitting toddler plead guilty to sexual exploit

Justin and Jessica Crandall pleaded guilty Friday to federal charges tied to the sexual exploitation of the toddler. Photo / New York State Police

A husband and wife have pleaded guilty to the sexual abuse of a toddler that they had been asked to look after.

Justin and Jessica Crandall of Sidney, New York, pleaded guilty to charges relating to the sexual exploitation of the child, including making and distributing videos of the assaults.

The US Magistrate hearing the case, Judge David Peebles, has described the crimes as "barbaric acts", reports News.com.au.

Fox News reports the US Attorney's Office alleged the Crandalls had been providing day care for the girl in the months leading up to February this year.

Prosecutors told the judge Justin, 28, had shot video and photos of himself engaged in sex act with the child.

Authorities were warned in February when a witness reported being sent one of the exploitation images by Justin via cellphone.

Investigators said the child's mother had noticed changes to her daughter's behaviour, as well as 'unexplained' injuries.

The FBI obtained search warrants and scoured the Crandall's home, finding more sexually explicit images and video.

With a trial just weeks away, Jessica Crandall, 27, have admitted both she and her husband had engaged in 'repeated sexual activities' involving the child. She faces up to 15 years behind bars.

Justin Crandall has also issued a guilty plea. He could serve up to 30 years in prison.

FBI court documents attribute Justin Crandall's behaviour, in part, to his meth addiction.

"Crandall admitted he touched the minor female child in a sexual manner while he was under the influence of methamphetamine," court documents read.

Jessica Crandall admitted she and her husband engaged in "repeated sexual activities" involving the child going back to December.

The pair, who will remain in jail, will receive their formal sententences early next year.