SALINAS  (AP) — A central California man appeared in federal court on Thursday after his arrest in connection with a nationwide child pornography manhunt, and a child thought to be a victim was rescued, federal authorities said.

Salinas resident David Stevens, 58, was being held without bail after his arrest Wednesday, according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations office.

Stevens was arrested by Salinas police after authorities released his picture to news outlets.

"A day later, a tip from the public has led to the capture of an alleged predator and more importantly, the rescue of a child," John Morton, ICE's director, said in a statement.

"I applaud our investigators, the media and the brave individual who provided critical information. Without the public's help we would not have solved this case."

According to the criminal complaint, Stevens is accused of making four child pornography videos with date stamps of April 14 and 27 that were first discovered by the Danish National Police on May 3.

Investigators determined the videos were produced in the U.S. based on a pretzel bag captured on video that is only available in America, according to the San Jose Mercury News.

Authorities said the 7-to-9-year-old victim is the child investigators believe was in the videos.

Salinas police Chief Kelly McMillin told the newspaper that the quick arrest allowed investigators to recover "vital evidence of his crimes."