3 days ago
U.S. Customs Border Protection officer charged with possessing child porn
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer was charged with knowingly possessing one or more items that contained visual depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson said Friday.
Anthony John Crowley 52, of Minnetonka, Minn., made his first appearance in U.S. District Court on Friday, authorities said.
'In recent months, we have seen a rash of agents, officers, and public officials engaging in crimes against children,' Thompson said in a news release. 'Let there be no misunderstanding: the U.S. Attorney's Office has zero tolerance for people in positions of trust and authority who abuse children. Zero.'
A special agent with Homeland Security, Timothy Ryan Gregg, 51, of Eagan, was charged Monday in U.S. District Court with producing child sexual abuse material after federal authorities say images and videos of the two engaged in sexual activity were found on her cellphone on May 29.
'When those who take an oath to uphold the law become the ones who break it in the most egregious way, it erodes the public's faith in our institutions,' said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. 'We are seeing a troubling pattern — multiple arrests in recent months involving individuals in positions of authority charged with exploiting children. Let one thing be clear: position and power will not shield you from accountability. If you harm a child, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will find you. And no matter who you are, we will bring you to justice.'
Crowley was ordered Friday to remain in custody pending further proceedings.
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