Alaska Man Faces Life in Prison for Online Child Exploitation

Anchorage man Benjamin Roundy, 42, aka ‘Aleks’ or ‘Alekzander Marko,’ is staring down a decade to life in prison for his role in a heinous child exploitation case.

According to court documents, in July 2023, Roundy began communicating with an individual he believed was a 13-year-old girl on an online platform, but who was in fact an FBI agent acting in an undercover capacity. Between July 7 and Aug. 4, the defendant discussed multiple topics with the individual, including directions to send sexually explicit content, requests to meet in person and what sexual actions would happen if they met in person.

The defendant arranged to meet in person on Aug. 4 and was subsequently arrested by law enforcement when he attempted to do so. Following his arrest, law enforcement discovered over 5,500 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse on Roundy’s devices. The investigation also revealed that in July 2017, Roundy uploaded videos depicting child sexual abuse to an online platform.

U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska made the announcement. The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is investigating the case.

If anyone has any information concerning Roundy’s actions or may have encountered someone using the name ‘Aleks’ or ‘Alekzander Marko’ in person, via text message on an online messaging app, please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at (907) 276-4441 or anonymously at tips.fbi.gov.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander of the District of Alaska and Trial Attorney Rachel L. Rothberg of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.

Benjamin Roundy is scheduled to be sentenced on a later date, but one thing is certain – he will face the harsh consequences of his actions. As the nation grapples with the scourge of child exploitation, cases like Roundy’s serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of these crimes.

The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Together, we can work towards creating a safer and more just society for all.”