Amber Sinkler, who presented a curated image of a happy family life on YouTube, has been charged with child endangerment and possessing child sexual abuse material. Authorities in Missouri allege that Sinkler was aware of and failed to intervene while her husband, Joshua Sinkler, sexually abused their infant daughter. The alleged abuse began when the child was an infant and continued for approximately two years, according to court documents.
Investigators uncovered disturbing evidence on Sinkler's mobile phone, including four videos and several images depicting the alleged abuse of a prepubescent female. The probable cause statement described one video showing the toddler crying while being abused by Joshua Sinkler, with Amber Sinkler reportedly in the same bed but making no attempt to stop the acts. The indictment stated that Amber Sinkler did not report the abuse due to fear for her husband's safety and indicated that her husband may have been involved with other children.
The contrast between the alleged crimes and Sinkler's online persona is significant. Her YouTube channel featured videos of family outings, church services, Bible studies, and children's milestones, portraying an idyllic domestic life. Some videos documented celebrations and personal moments, including an engagement announcement where a man's voice could be heard shouting at a crying child in the background. Police stated that Sinkler showed no concern for her daughter and made no attempt to prevent the abuse.
Both Amber and Joshua Sinkler face federal charges, including producing and receiving child sexual abuse material. They have pleaded not guilty to the federal charges. Joshua Sinkler is also facing state charges including incest, child molestation, statutory rape, statutory sodomy, sexual exploitation of a minor, endangering the welfare of a child, and possession of child pornography. Amber Sinkler was charged with first-degree child endangerment and possessing child sexual abuse material.
The couple was arrested in March and are being held in St. Charles County Jail each on a $500,000 cash bond. Prosecuting Attorney Joe McCulloch described the couple as "monsters" and emphasized the need to protect the victim and the public from their alleged actions.