HEUVELTON -- A couple accused of abducting and sexually exploiting two Amish girls were charged in federal court Thursday.

Each could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

The charges indicate that the pair had also sexually exploited an unidentified third female child.

Stephen M. Howells II, 39 and Nicole F. Vaisey, 25, both of Hermon, were charged with conspiracy to sexually exploit children and sexual exploitation of children in U.S. District Court in Syracuse, according to United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Special Agent in Charge Andrew W. Vale of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Albany Division.

The five-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury charged Howells and Vaisey with conspiracy to sexually exploit children involving two minor female victims and sexual exploitation of a child. Both were also charged with sexual exploitation of a third female child.

Howells was additionally charged with possession of child pornography.

If found guilty, each defendant faces a statutory minimum of at least 15 years imprisonment and a maximum term of 30 years.

Howells faces a separate maximum term of 20 years imprisonment.

Both defendants may be fined up to $250,000 on each count of conviction.

Upon release from prison, they would be placed on supervised release for a mandatory minimum at least 5 years and up to life.

They would also be required to register as sex offenders.

Both are currently being held without out bail in St. Lawrence County jail on first-degree kidnapping charges.

“This indictment charges Howells and Vaisey with enticing and coercing children to engage in sexual conduct and making a video recording of it. The Department of Justice is committed to the safety and well-being of every child and has placed a high priority on combating sexual exploitation of minors. We will continue to work closely with our state and local partners to identify and prosecute those who prey on our children," Hartunian said.

Anyone having information regarding this case may contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

This case is being investigated by the FBI's Albany Division, the New York State Police, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and St. Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa Fletcher and Tamara Thompson.