State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Nicholas Lavern Bassler Jr was convicted after jury trial of Sexual Battery By Person 18 Years Of Age Or Older Upon A Child Less Than 12 Years Of Age; Use Of A Child In A Sexual Performance; and Possession Of Child Pornography.  The crimes were committed between April and September of 2023 and investigated by Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.  The trial was held at the Manatee County Courthouse on December 8-9, 2025.

Circuit Court Judge Matt Whyte sentenced the defendant following the jury verdict on Tuesday, December 9 to the maximum possible penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus 20 years. 

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Ashley Dusnik commented, “Through the diligent efforts of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, specifically Det. Carmine Luper and Det. Steven Luke, these heinous crimes against children were uncovered.  The detectives were able to collect overwhelming evidence of the defendant’s guilt so that this conviction could be secured.”

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney Ashley Dusnik in the Sarasota County office at 941-747-3077.