SAN FRANCISCO – Bryan Petersen, 24, of Tiburon, and Ryan Michael Spencer, 19, of Aptos, are facing federal charges after a grand jury indictment revealed a sickening network of child pornography distribution and alleged exploitation of children under their supervision. The pair are accused of conspiracy to distribute and receive child pornography, distribution, receipt, and possession of the vile material, according to a statement released by United States Attorney Brian Stretch and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett.
The FBI’s investigation began when a concerned citizen reported Petersen had child pornography stored on his computer and in a Dropbox account. A subsequent search of Petersen’s residence allegedly uncovered thousands of images and videos depicting child pornography. The investigation quickly broadened to implicate Spencer, revealing the two men had been exchanging this depraved content. What’s even more disturbing? Both men held positions of trust with vulnerable children – Petersen as a babysitter, chess coach, and tutor in Tiburon, and Spencer as a babysitter, camp counselor, and teacher-in-training in Aptos.
Investigators allege the pair didn’t stop at simply distributing existing material. They are accused of taking and exchanging lascivious photographs of the children entrusted to their care. Petersen was arrested on April 26, 2017, and Spencer the following day. Both defendants are currently in custody and scheduled to be arraigned on May 16, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. before United States Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero. The charges against each include one count of conspiracy to distribute and receive child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(2) and (b)(1); distribution of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(2); receipt of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(2); and possession of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(4)(B).
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Petersen and Spencer are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. However, if convicted on any of the charges, they face a maximum sentence of twenty years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000, in addition to potential restitution. Furthermore, convictions for distribution, receipt, or conspiracy to distribute and receive child pornography carry a mandatory five-year minimum prison term. Sentencing will ultimately be determined by the court, considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and federal statutes (18 U.S.C. § 3553).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie D. Garcia is leading the prosecution, with assistance from Heidi Dittmer. The case is the result of a Federal Bureau of Investigation investigation. The FBI is urging anyone who believes their child may have been a victim in this case to come forward. A dedicated email address, BayAreaTips@ic.fbi.gov, has been established to receive tips. Please include your full name, phone number, your child’s full name and age, the reasons for your concern, the date range of potential contact, and the locations where contact may have occurred. Agents will follow up with credible leads.
This case is a chilling reminder of the predators who hide in plain sight, exploiting the trust placed in them. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available. Parents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement immediately. The FBI requests patience as they work through the volume of information related to this disturbing case.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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