In a disturbing case, a Ketchikan man named Walter William Onstad has pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography charges. Court documents reveal that Onstad was the administrator of a Kik group called “Anything Goes,” which was solely dedicated to sharing child pornography. As the group’s administrator, Onstad actively solicited images of child pornography from others in order for them to be admitted to the group. Once approved, members had unrestricted access to explicit images of children being sexually exploited. Onstad now awaits his sentencing, facing a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a potential life sentence. This case highlights the ongoing efforts of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood in combating the epidemic of child sexual exploitation.
Title: Ketchikan Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Child Pornography
Introduction
In a disturbing case of child exploitation, a Ketchikan man recently pleaded guilty to charges of distributing child pornography. The defendant, Walter William Onstad, admitted to his involvement as an administrator of a Kik group called “Anything Goes,” which was exclusively used for the purpose of sharing explicit images of children. This article will provide background information about the case, details of the investigation, related cases, and resources available to combat child sexual exploitation.
Background Information
Ketchikan Man’s Plea
Walter William Onstad, a resident of Ketchikan, Alaska, pleaded guilty to the charge of distributing child pornography. Court documents reveal that Onstad was the administrator of a Kik group called “Anything Goes,” which served as a platform for the distribution of explicit images of minors.
Court Documents
Official court documents provide evidence of Onstad’s involvement in soliciting and distributing child pornography through the Kik group. These documents were crucial in building the case against Onstad and securing his guilty plea.
Kik Group: ‘Anything Goes’
The Kik group “Anything Goes” was created and maintained by Walter William Onstad. This group operated as a closed community, exclusively dedicated to the sharing of child pornography. Onstad acted as the administrator of the group, overseeing the verification and approval process for new members.
Purpose of the Group
The sole purpose of the Kik group “Anything Goes” was to facilitate the distribution of child pornography. Members of the group were required to share explicit images of minors in order to gain access.
Solicitation of Child Pornography
As the administrator of the “Anything Goes” Kik group, Onstad actively solicited images of child pornography from other members. These images were then posted within the group, where they were readily accessible to all members.
Verification and Approval Process
Onstad implemented a verification and approval process for new members of the Kik group. In order to gain admission, individuals had to provide explicit images of minors to Onstad for verification. Once approved, these individuals were granted complete access to the exploitative images within the group.
Access to Exploitative Images
Members of the “Anything Goes” Kik group had unlimited access to explicit images of children being sexually exploited. Onstad’s role as the administrator facilitated the dissemination of this illegal material to a wide network of offenders.
Detention and Sentencing
Following his guilty plea, Walter William Onstad was detained pending his sentencing, which is scheduled for August 17, 2023. The court will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors in determining his sentence.
Mandatory Minimum and Maximum Penalties
Onstad faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Additionally, he may be subject to supervised release for a period of five years to life.
Role of the Federal District Court Judge
The federal district court judge assigned to Onstad’s case will have the discretion to determine the appropriate sentence. This decision will be based on various factors, including the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the severity of the offenses committed.
Announcement by U.S. Attorney
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska made the announcement regarding Onstad’s guilty plea. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to holding individuals accountable for their involvement in child exploitation and abuse.
Investigation Details
Involvement of FBI
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) played a crucial role in investigating Walter William Onstad’s distribution of child pornography. Their resources and expertise were instrumental in securing evidence and building a strong case against him.
Prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorney
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt is leading the prosecution against Onstad. His expertise in child exploitation cases will ensure a thorough and effective legal representation for the victims and the government.
Project Safe Childhood Initiative
The case against Onstad falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006. This initiative aims to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse by combining federal, state, and local resources.
Combating Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
Project Safe Childhood focuses on locating, apprehending, and prosecuting individuals who exploit children through the use of the internet. It also aims to identify and rescue victims, providing them with the necessary support and resources to overcome their traumatic experiences.
Resources and Collaboration
The success of Project Safe Childhood relies on the collaboration between various law enforcement agencies, non-profit organizations, and community members. By pooling resources and sharing information, these stakeholders can effectively combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Objective of Project Safe Childhood
The primary objective of Project Safe Childhood is to protect children from the devastating effects of sexual exploitation and abuse. Through comprehensive investigation and prosecution, this initiative seeks to hold offenders accountable and provide justice for the victims.
Website for More Information
For more information about Project Safe Childhood and resources available to victims and communities, please visit the official website at www.justice.gov/psc.
Related Cases
Anchorage Man Charged with Child Exploitation Offenses
An unrelated but equally disturbing case involves the arrest of an Anchorage man on charges of child exploitation. The individual was charged with attempted enticement of a minor, attempted production of child pornography, and possession of explicit material involving minors.
Rural Alaska Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of a Minor
In another case highlighting the prevalence of child abuse, a man from a rural Alaskan village was sentenced to over 12 years in prison for sexually abusing a minor. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable children in all communities.
Washington Man Indicted for Failure to Register As a Sex Offender
A Washington man was indicted for failure to register as a sex offender and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. This case underscores the need for strict adherence to sex offender registration laws to ensure the safety of communities.
District of Alaska
Main Office Address
The main office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska is located at 222 West 7th Avenue, Room 253, #9, Anchorage, Alaska 99513.
Contact Information
For additional information or assistance regarding cases handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska, please contact them at 907-271-5071. Fax inquiries can be sent to 907-271-3224.
Conclusion
The guilty plea of Walter William Onstad underscores the importance of prioritizing the fight against child sexual exploitation and abuse. By prosecuting individuals involved in the distribution of child pornography, authorities send a strong message that these offenses will not be tolerated. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, and initiatives like Project Safe Childhood is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of children. Through awareness, resources, and effective prosecution, we can work towards eradicating this heinous crime and protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.