FLORENCE — Matthew Ayers and his wife, Patricia, slowly stood before Lauderdale District Judge Carole Medley on Friday afternoon and heard the charges they face.

Ayers and his wife are each charged with production of child pornography, possession of child pornography, first-degree sodomy, first-degree rape, first-degree sexual abuse and willful sexual abuse of a child under 12.

The allegations against them involve a 7-year-old girl.

“You understand these are serious felony charges,” Medley said to each after she read the list of charges.

In each case, Matthew Ayers and Patricia Ayers acknowledged they understood the charges.

Both are in the Lauderdale County Detention Center on bonds of $1 million each.

Matthew David Ayers, 41, 1801 Lauderdale 298, Florence, was arrested Thursday afternoon. Patricia Allana Edmon Ayers, 32, same address, was charged Jan. 4 after photos of the child were found on her computer.

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

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

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.

“More charges could be filed as the investigation of the allegations and the forensic examination of the devices continue,” said Richard Richey, an investigator with the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office.

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