In a shocking revelation, a former police officer has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for possessing child pornography in his home. Matthew William Schwier, a 39-year-old resident of Wasilla, knowingly possessed over 100 still images and multiple videos depicting children being sexually abused. After pleading guilty to the charges, Schwier will also be on federal supervised release for 7 years and will have to pay $15,000 in restitution to his victims. The evidence suggests that Schwier may have utilized his specialized law enforcement training and advanced computer skills to hide his crimes. This case highlights the Department of Justice’s dedication to relentlessly pursue and prosecute offenders who engage in child pornography and serves as a reminder that no one is above the law.
Former Police Officer Sentenced To 37 Months For Possession Of Child Pornography
Case Background
The case involves the conviction and sentencing of a former police officer, Matthew William Schwier, for the possession of child pornography in his home. Schwier, a resident of Wasilla, Alaska, was found to have knowingly possessed over 100 still images and multiple videos depicting children being sexually abused. He pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison. After serving his sentence, Schwier will be on federal supervised release for 7 years and will have to pay $15,000 in restitution to his victims. He is also required to register as a sex offender and will have restrictions on his internet access.
Sentencing and Charges
Schwier was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for the possession of child pornography. The length of the sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and the need to protect the community from individuals who engage in such heinous acts. In addition to the prison sentence, Schwier will be under federal supervised release for 7 years, during which he will have to comply with strict conditions. He is also required to pay $15,000 in restitution to his victims. As a convicted sex offender, Schwier will be subject to registration requirements and will have restrictions on his internet access after his release.
Child Pornography Collection
Schwier’s collection of child pornography included over 100 still images and multiple videos depicting children being sexually abused. The collection spanned multiple computers and contained images of infants, toddlers, and older children being violently abused. The evidence suggests that Schwier potentially used his specialized law enforcement training and advanced computer skills to facilitate and attempt to hide his criminal activities. The age range of the victims involved in the collection is not specified, but it is clear that it involved the exploitation and abuse of young and vulnerable children.
Law Enforcement Background
Prior to his arrest, Schwier had a history of employment in various technical support and video surveillance roles. However, he failed to complete probationary employment as a police officer in several locations, including Phoenix, Arizona; Roswell, New Mexico; and Elk Point, South Dakota. This history raises concerns about Schwier’s suitability for law enforcement roles and suggests a pattern of misconduct. It also highlights the importance of thorough background checks and evaluations during the hiring process to prevent individuals with questionable backgrounds from becoming part of law enforcement agencies.
FBI Investigation
The FBI investigation into Schwier’s activities began in approximately 2016 when he distributed child pornography to an undercover law enforcement officer over the internet. At the time of his arrest in 2017, Schwier was employed as Justice Director for the Chickaloon Village Traditional Counsel. The investigation revealed that Schwier had a reputation within the law enforcement community of being untruthful, which further undermines his credibility and raises concerns about potential corruption within the law enforcement community.
Prosecution and Court Proceedings
The court proceedings in Schwier’s case were delayed for several years due to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the course of the six-year investigation and prosecution, multiple Assistant U.S. Attorneys, including Adam Alexander, Charisse Arce, Kelly Cavanaugh, Kyle Reardon, Christopher Schroeder, and Jonas Walker, were involved in the case. The FBI conducted the investigation and provided crucial evidence to support the prosecution. The delays in court proceedings highlight the complexities and challenges associated with prosecuting cases involving child pornography and the need for efficient and timely judicial processes.
Project Safe Childhood Initiative
Schwier’s case is part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, which is a nationwide effort to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative was launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 and aims to coordinate 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 exploitation. The collaboration between the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, and law enforcement agencies is crucial in the fight against online child exploitation.
Contact Information
For more information about the case or to report online child exploitation, you can contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Alaska, or the FBI Anchorage Field Office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office can be reached at [contact information] and the FBI Anchorage Field Office at [contact information].
Related Content
For related news and press releases from the District of Alaska, you can visit the U.S. Department of Justice website. The website provides additional information about other cases and initiatives related to law enforcement and criminal justice.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Matthew William Schwier, a former police officer, to 37 months in federal prison for the possession of child pornography highlights the commitment of law enforcement and the justice system to combat child exploitation. The case serves as a reminder that no one is above the law and that those who engage in such heinous crimes will be held accountable. It also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and initiatives like Project Safe Childhood in protecting children and prosecuting individuals who exploit them. Reporting incidents of online child exploitation is crucial in the fight against these crimes, and individuals can contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office or the FBI Anchorage Field Office to report such cases. By working together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our children and create a society where child exploitation is eradicated.