On July 26, an Anaconda man named Christopher Todd Boudreau was convicted by a federal jury of attempted coercion and possession of child pornography. The conviction came after a three-day trial that began on July 24. Boudreau now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life in prison, as well as a fine of $250,000 and supervised release for five years to life. The court will determine the final sentence on November 29. This case highlights the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in protecting children from individuals who seek to harm them and exploit them for sexual purposes. Prosecutors Zeno B. Baucus and Brian C. Lowney, along with the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, played a crucial role in investigating and prosecuting this case. The conviction of Christopher Todd Boudreau is a significant step towards combating child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Federal jury convicts Anaconda man of attempted coercion, possession of child pornography
A federal jury recently convicted an Anaconda man of attempted coercion and possession of child pornography, according to U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich. The arrest came as a result of an undercover investigation into the man’s efforts to engage a minor in sexual activities. The jury’s verdict follows a three-day trial that ended on July 26. Christopher Todd Boudreau, 42, was found guilty and now faces severe legal consequences for his actions.
Summary
Christopher Todd Boudreau, an Anaconda man, was recently convicted by a federal jury of attempted coercion and possession of child pornography. The conviction stems from an undercover investigation into Boudreau’s attempts to entice and coerce a minor into engaging in sexual activities. After a three-day trial, the jury reached a guilty verdict on July 26, and Boudreau awaits sentencing.
Details of the Case
Background
Christopher Todd Boudreau, a 42-year-old resident of Anaconda, was apprehended as a result of an undercover investigation. The investigation uncovered his attempts to coerce and entice a minor into engaging in sexual intercourse. Boudreau’s actions led to his arrest, and he now faces serious legal consequences for his crimes.
Arrest and Investigation
Law enforcement authorities conducted an undercover operation that targeted individuals attempting to engage with minors online. In July 2022, the investigators received a “friend request” from Boudreau while working undercover on the internet. The investigation progressed as Boudreau initiated a text conversation with an undercover operative who identified herself as a juvenile girl. Their communications eventually led to an arrangement to meet in person in Missoula.
On July 28, 2022, law enforcement arrested Boudreau when he arrived at the agreed-upon meeting location. Subsequently, a search warrant was executed at Boudreau’s residence, and authorities discovered electronic media containing thousands of images and videos depicting child pornography. Additionally, a search of Boudreau’s vehicle yielded condoms, candy, and his phone. These findings provided further evidence of his criminal intent.
Court Proceedings
Following his arrest in 2022, Boudreau’s case proceeded to trial in July 2023. The three-day trial concluded with the federal jury finding him guilty of attempted coercion and enticement and possession of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided over the trial.
Legal Consequences
Potential Sentence
Boudreau faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life in prison for his convictions. He may also be subject to a fine of up to $250,000 and a period of supervised release ranging from five years to life. The court will determine the exact sentence after considering various factors, including the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory provisions.
Guidelines and Factors Considered
When determining an appropriate sentence, the court will consider several factors, such as the nature and severity of the crimes committed, the defendant’s criminal history, and the impact of the offenses on the victims. Additionally, the court will take into account any mitigating or aggravating circumstances specific to the case. These considerations will help inform the judge’s decision on the appropriate punishment for Boudreau.
Sentencing Date
The court has scheduled Boudreau’s sentencing for November 29. This date allows sufficient time for the court to review all relevant information and hear arguments from both the prosecution and defense before determining the final sentence.
Prosecuting Attorneys
The individuals responsible for prosecuting Christopher Todd Boudreau’s case are Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno B. Baucus and Brian C. Lowney. These dedicated attorneys have been entrusted with seeking justice on behalf of the victims and the community affected by Boudreau’s actions.
Law Enforcement Agencies Involved
FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force
The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force played a crucial role in the investigation and apprehension of Christopher Todd Boudreau. This task force focuses on combating crimes involving the sexual exploitation of minors, working diligently to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet.
Missoula County Sheriff’s Office
The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office also played a significant role in the investigation. Its collaboration with the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force was essential in bringing Boudreau to justice. The office’s dedication to protecting the community and safeguarding children from exploitation is commendable.
Project Safe Childhood Initiative
Purpose of the Initiative
Christopher Todd Boudreau’s case is part of the larger Project Safe Childhood initiative. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, this nationwide effort aims to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood brings together federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children online, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Implementation and Resources
To effectively implement Project Safe Childhood, U.S. Attorney’s Offices collaborate with the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and various law enforcement agencies. This collaborative approach ensures that the initiative has the necessary resources and expertise to address the issue comprehensively. By leveraging the combined efforts of different agencies, Project Safe Childhood maximizes its impact in preventing, combating, and responding to child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Contact Information
For further information on this case or inquiries about related matters, please contact the Public Affairs Officer Clair Johnson Howard at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Montana. The office stands ready to provide any necessary assistance or address any concerns pertaining to this case or other legally significant issues.
Related Cases
Missoula man sentenced for sexually exploiting a child
In a separate but related case, a Missoula man was recently sentenced to 30 years in prison for sexually exploiting a child. The prosecution and conviction of individuals involved in such crimes demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement in combating child sexual exploitation and protecting vulnerable victims.
Wyoming man admits traveling to Bozeman for sex with a minor
Another recent case involved a Wyoming man who admitted to traveling to Bozeman with the intent to engage in sexual activities with a minor. The successful prosecution of such cases underscores the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and the justice system in holding offenders accountable.
Former Colstrip police officer sentenced for receiving child pornography
Yet another example is the sentencing of a former Colstrip police officer to eight years in prison for receiving child pornography. This case illustrates that individuals in positions of trust are not exempt from facing legal consequences for their actions involving child exploitation.
District of Montana Information
The District of Montana is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes within its jurisdiction. The main office is located at 2601 2nd Ave N, Suite 3200, Billings, MT 59101. For assistance or inquiries, individuals may contact the office via telephone at (406) 657-6101 or toll-free at (800) 291-6108. Additionally, the office can be reached via fax at (406) 657-6989.