Ketchikan Kik Group Admin Admits to Child Porn Distribution

Ketchikan resident Walter William Onstad has admitted to running a depraved online hub for child sexual abuse material. Onstad pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography, admitting he administered a Kik group called “Anything Goes” dedicated solely to the sharing of explicit images of children. The feds say Onstad didn’t just passively manage the group – he actively solicited the material from potential members.

Court documents unsealed this week detail a chilling verification process. To gain access to “Anything Goes,” prospective members weren’t asked for IDs or references. They were required to submit child pornography to Onstad himself, effectively proving their willingness to participate in the exploitation. Once approved, members had unrestricted access to a constant stream of horrific content.

The “Anything Goes” group operated as a closed, invite-only community, meticulously curated by Onstad. He wasn’t just a moderator; he was a gatekeeper to a network of predators. The feds’ investigation, spearheaded by the FBI, revealed Onstad knowingly facilitated the distribution of images depicting the sexual abuse of minors, actively fueling the demand for this vile material.

Onstad now faces a mandatory minimum of five years behind bars, with the potential for a life sentence. Sentencing is scheduled for August 17, 2023, before a federal district court judge who will consider sentencing guidelines and the severity of the crimes. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dark corners of the internet and the individuals who profit from the suffering of children.

Federal prosecutors highlighted the case as a key example of the work being done under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. This isn’t just about taking down one administrator; it’s about disrupting the networks and holding accountable those who enable this horrific crime. The feds are working to identify and prosecute all members of the “Anything Goes” group.

This case is a grim illustration of how technology can be weaponized to exploit the most vulnerable. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing. Resources for reporting child exploitation are available at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

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