FLORENCE — The husband of a Lauderdale County woman accused of having nude photos of a 7-year-old girl on her computer has been charged in connection with the production of the photos and both are jailed under $1 million bonds each for additional sexual-related charges, officials said.

Matthew David Ayers, 41, 1801 Lauderdale 298, Florence, is charged with possession of child pornography, production of child pornography, first-degree sodomy, first-degree rape, first-degree sexual abuse and wilful sexual abuse of a child under 12, said Richard Richey, an investigator with the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office.

Richey said Matthew Ayers was arrested late Thursday afternoon.

Department officials said the arrest was made after a forensics expert found a sexually-suggestive photo of Ayers, his wife and the girl on a electronic device taken from their residence last week.

Patricia Allana Edmon Ayers, 32, same address, was charged Jan. 4 with five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of production of child pornography after five nude photos of the child was found on her computer, authorities said.

Richey said Thursday afternoon that Patricia Ayers is now facing the additional charges of first-degree sodomy, first-degree rape, first-degree sexual abuse and wilful sexual abuse of a child under 12, after the photo was found.

Patricia Ayers was arrested last week after an investigation into the possession of child pornography began in Madison County, officials said.

Richey said the investigation began in Madison County after photos were discovered on a laptop. Reports indicate the person who owned the laptop was downloading something from Patricia Ayers’ computer and discovered the pornographic photos.

Richey said Patricia Ayers was charged with five counts because that was the number of photos discovered on the computer in Madison County.

Authorities searched the Ayers’ house and seized computers, flash drives, digital cameras, cellphones and other electronics.

Richey said the photo discovered Thursday was on one of the items recovered from the house.

Investigators said evidence discovered at the residence at the time the items were seized indicated the nude photos of the child were made in the couple’s house.

Authorities said the photos appear to have been taken in the bedroom, with the child, who is now 8 years old, posing in the nude on Patricia Ayers’ bed. Investigators said Ayers admitted to taking the photos of the child.

Richey said Patricia Ayers told authorities the photos were to document how a rash on the child’s back and arms had cleared up.

Officials said the photos showed more than the child’s back and arms.

Richey said more charges could be added if more photos are found on the seized equipment.

Both the Ayers are being held in the Lauderdale County Detention Center. Patricia Ayers initially was jailed on bail of $100,000. Her bond increased after the new charges were issued.

Tom Smith can be reached at 256-740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.