In a recent indictment, a federal grand jury has charged an Anchorage man with child pornography and attempted enticement charges. The defendant, Peter Joseph Hickel Jr., was arrested after communicating with and attempting to meet an individual that he believed to be a 12-year-old girl. If convicted, Hickel faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison. This case is being investigated by the FBI Anchorage Field Office as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Anyone with information about Hickel’s alleged actions is urged to contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Anchorage Man on Child Pornography, Attempted Enticement Charges
Introduction
In a disturbing case of child exploitation, an Anchorage man has been arrested and indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of attempted production of child pornography, coercion and enticement of a minor, and possession of child pornography. This article will provide an overview of the case, outlining the charges against the individual, the potential penalties if convicted, the investigation and prosecution, and the important work being done through Project Safe Childhood to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Background
Child pornography and the sexual exploitation of minors are serious crimes that have devastating impacts on the victims involved, as well as society as a whole. The Department of Justice is committed to protecting children and prosecuting individuals who engage in these heinous acts. The case of the Anchorage man, Peter Joseph Hickel Jr., highlights the ongoing efforts to identify and bring to justice those who perpetrate such crimes.
Anchorage Man Arrested
Peter Joseph Hickel Jr. was arrested on July 25 near Sunset Park in Anchorage after engaging in communication and attempting to meet an individual he believed to be a 12-year-old girl. This arrest was the result of an ongoing investigation by the FBI’s Anchorage Field Office.
Communication with a Minor
Hickel’s arrest was made after he had been communicating with an individual he believed to be a 12-year-old girl. It is alleged that he engaged in explicit conversations and attempted to entice the minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.
Attempted Meeting
As part of his communication with the minor, Hickel arranged to meet her near Sunset Park in Anchorage. It was at this location that he was apprehended by law enforcement.
Charges Against Peter Joseph Hickel Jr.
Hickel is facing multiple charges related to his alleged actions. These charges include attempted production of child pornography, coercion and enticement of a minor, and possession of child pornography. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Charges
The charges against Peter Joseph Hickel Jr. highlight the seriousness of the crimes he is accused of committing.
Attempted Production of Child Pornography
By attempting to engage in illegal sexual activity with a minor, Hickel is charged with attempted production of child pornography. This charge recognizes the harmful intent and potential harm to the minor involved.
Coercion and Enticement of a Minor
Hickel is also facing charges of coercion and enticement of a minor. This charge acknowledges the alleged actions taken by Hickel to manipulate and lure a minor into engaging in illegal sexual activity.
Possession of Child Pornography
In addition, Hickel is charged with the possession of child pornography. This charge recognizes the alleged possession of explicit material involving minors.
Potential Penalty
If convicted of the charges against him, Peter Joseph Hickel Jr. faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison. The actual sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Investigation and Prosecution
The investigation and prosecution of this case involve multiple agencies working together to ensure a thorough and fair process.
FBI Involvement
The FBI’s Anchorage Field Office played a critical role in the investigation of this case. Their efforts led to the arrest of Hickel and the gathering of evidence to support the charges against him.
Contact for Information
The FBI Anchorage Field Office is urging anyone with information about Hickel’s alleged actions or who may have encountered him in person, via text message, or on an online messaging app to come forward. Information can be provided by contacting the FBI Anchorage Field Office at (907) 276-4441 or anonymously online at tips.fbi.gov.
Prosecution by Jennifer Ivers
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Ivers is responsible for prosecuting this case. Her expertise and dedication will ensure that the charges against Hickel are vigorously pursued.
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood is a national initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006. Its goal is to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
National Initiative
Project Safe Childhood brings together federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet. It also focuses on identifying and rescuing victims of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Combating Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
The indictment of Peter Joseph Hickel Jr. is just one example of the work being done through Project Safe Childhood to protect children and bring those who exploit them to justice. By raising awareness, providing resources, and coordinating efforts, this initiative is making a significant impact in the fight against child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Presumption of Innocence
It is important to remember that an indictment is merely an allegation, and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The charges against Peter Joseph Hickel Jr. will be rigorously tested through the legal process, and his guilt or innocence will be determined by the evidence presented.
Contact Information
For further information or inquiries related to this case, please contact Reagan Zimmerman, Public Affairs Officer, at reagan.zimmerman@usdoj.gov. The USAO – Alaska is available to provide assistance and support to those affected by this case. Contact information can be found on their official website.