Anaconda Predator: 10 Years to Life for Child Exploitation

Anaconda, MT – Christopher Todd Boudreau, 42, is staring down a potential life sentence after a federal jury found him guilty of attempted coercion and possession of child pornography. The verdict, delivered July 26th after a three-day trial, caps an investigation that exposed Boudreau’s predatory behavior and a sickening collection of illegal content.

The case began to unravel in July 2022 when undercover law enforcement, posing as a juvenile online, received a “friend request” from Boudreau. He quickly initiated a text conversation, escalating to plans for an in-person meeting in Missoula. On July 28th, 2022, Boudreau arrived at the rendezvous point and was immediately arrested. It wasn’t just the attempted meet-up that sealed his fate.

A subsequent search of Boudreau’s Anaconda residence revealed a digital vault of depravity: thousands of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Investigators also found condoms, candy, and his phone in his vehicle – evidence prosecutors argued demonstrated premeditation and intent. The feds didn’t pull punches, laying out a clear picture of a calculated predator.

The trial, presided over by U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy, saw prosecutors Zeno B. Baucus and Brian C. Lowney present damning evidence gathered by the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office. The defense mounted no effective counter, and the jury’s guilty verdict came swiftly. Boudreau now faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, with the possibility of a life sentence.

Beyond the prison time, Boudreau could be hit with a $250,000 fine and a period of supervised release lasting anywhere from five years to life. Sentencing is scheduled for November 29th. Federal prosecutors are seeking the maximum penalty, citing the severity of the crimes and the vulnerability of the victims. This isn’t just about punishment; it’s about sending a message.

This conviction is a stark reminder of the ongoing fight against child sexual exploitation. The FBI’s task force, in conjunction with local law enforcement, continues to dismantle these networks and bring predators like Boudreau to justice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana has made child protection a top priority, and this case demonstrates their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our society. Anyone with information regarding suspected child exploitation is urged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children or their local FBI field office.