American nudists released from jail in Brazil

SAO PAULO, Brazil -- A U.S. couple indicted on charges of sexually abusing children at a Brazilian nudist colony has been released from jail pending trial.

Frederic Calvin Louderback and Barbara Anner must remain in Brazil, where officials hold their passports, until the trial, lawyer Vitor Peruchin told The Associated Press in an e-mail late Friday.

The judges said in a statement last week they saw no reason to keep the couple in jail because all witnesses have already been interrogated and all evidence presented.

The couple was arrested in December 2007 and charged with sexually abusing 12 boys between the ages of 6 and 14. They face the possibility of 30 years in prison.

Louderback, 64, is believed to be from San Diego and Anner, 73, from Georgia.

Police also say that hundreds of photos of young boys engaged in homosexual acts were found in the homes of the couple and of Brazilian friends who also were charged.

Prosecutors say Anner lured the boys, all of whom lived in poor neighborhoods near the colony, with promises of gifts, food and trips.

Peruchin said earlier that the two believed they were set up by wealthy members of the colony who didn't like their work for the poor -- giving free English lessons to children, promoting sports activities and donating food, clothes and toys.