A Bennington man and woman are facing multiple felony charges following what authorities describe as an ongoing multi-state investigation into the reported sexual assault of a child.

According to the Bennington Police Department, officers, with assistance from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, arrested 39-year-old Joseph Michael Thomas Bruce and 39-year-old Lindsey Kay Smith on June 28. The pair were taken into custody without incident while officers executed felony arrest warrants issued by the Douglas County District Court.

Police said the investigation began after a report was made to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline. Authorities said the investigation has since expanded across multiple states.

Bruce and Smith were booked into the Douglas County Jail on no-bond warrants. Each faces charges of accessory to a felony, child abuse, and tampering with a witness or informant, with the latter charge listed as pending a higher felony.

The Bennington Police Department said the investigation remains active and additional felony charges and arrest warrants are anticipated.

In its announcement, the department thanked several agencies for their assistance, including the Nebraska State Patrol, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Douglas County Attorney’s Office, the Johnson County (Kansas) Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office, and Minnesota law enforcement agencies.

As of publication, authorities have not released additional details regarding the alleged victim or the circumstances of the investigation due to the ongoing nature of the case.

Anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect can report concerns to the Nebraska Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-652-1999.