Haines Predator Gets 20 Years for Exploiting Kids

ANCHORAGE, AK – Christopher Panagiotou-Scigliano, 41, of Haines, Alaska, will spend the next two decades in federal prison after being sentenced today for the systematic sexual exploitation of multiple minors. The sentence, handed down by a federal judge, reflects the gravity of a case involving years of grooming, coercion, and the creation of horrific child pornography.

Court documents reveal Panagiotou-Scigliano pled guilty to one count of Production of Child Pornography. The charge stems from a pattern of abuse that began in another state and continued after his relocation to a farm in Haines in 2015. Panagiotou-Scigliano deliberately lured several children he had already been grooming and abusing to his Alaskan property, using the guise of a friendly visit to continue his predatory behavior.

Once the victims arrived, Panagiotou-Scigliano continued his manipulation, coercing them into participating in sexually explicit acts. He then documented these acts through numerous images and videos, creating a disturbing archive of child pornography. The investigation uncovered a calculated effort to isolate and exploit vulnerable children, preying on their trust and manipulating them into silence.

This sentencing doesn’t mark the end of legal proceedings for Panagiotou-Scigliano. He also faces charges related to the sexual abuse of children in another state, a case that remains pending. Federal prosecutors are determined to hold him accountable for the full extent of his crimes, regardless of location.

“This office will continue to vigorously prosecute heinous predatory crimes such as this,” stated S. Lane Tucker, United States Attorney for the District of Alaska. “Although no term of imprisonment can repair the harm caused to the victims, anyone engaging or thinking about engaging in grooming and sexual conduct with minors should take warning from this significant sentence.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung echoed this sentiment, describing the case as “unconscionable” and highlighting the years-long manipulation used to isolate and abuse the victims.

The investigation was spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with crucial support from the Haines Police Department, the Bonner County, Idaho, Sheriff’s Office, the Bonner County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Alaska State Troopers. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Ivers and James Klugman led the prosecution. The case was brought forth under Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative dedicated to combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. Anyone with information regarding child exploitation is urged to contact the FBI or local law enforcement. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.

RELATED: Alaska Predator Gets 20 Years for Farm Abuse

RELATED: Alaska Man Gets 6.5 Years for Child Porn