International Falls Man Indicted for Kidnapping and Child Pornography

An International Falls man, Joseph Andrew Bragg, has been federally indicted on charges of kidnapping a minor from Zimmerman and the production and possession of child pornography involving a second minor victim. The indictment, unsealed by U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen, stems from an incident on January 21, 2026.

According to court documents, a minor child, identified as Victim 1, disappeared after being dropped off by a school bus near her Zimmerman home on January 21, 2026. Her mother reported her missing that afternoon, recalling an earlier unsettling online interaction with a Facebook profile named "Joseph Bragg" who offered babysitting services. This profile was later linked to the defendant.

Law enforcement tracked Bragg's phone and a rental vehicle, leading to his stop by the Albert Lea Police Department just after midnight on January 22, 2026. Victim 1 was found partially covered by a suitcase in the backseat. Further investigation of Bragg's phone revealed numerous video and photo files depicting child sexual abuse material, with a second minor, Victim 2, positively identified in some of the content. Bragg made his initial court appearance on May 28, 2026, and was ordered detained.

FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson said, "The allegations set forth in this indictment are every parent’s worst nightmare." Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans added, "As alleged in this indictment, Joseph Andrew Bragg is the very definition of a predator." Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office Commander Ben Zawacki credited the "unbelievable amount of assistance provided by law enforcement, fire departments, and volunteers."

The case is the result of a collaborative investigation by the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the FBI, with assistance from several other agencies. Investigators believe there may be additional victims and urge anyone with information regarding Joseph Andrew Bragg to contact the FBI Tip Line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.