A federal jury has convicted Craig James Myran, a 47-year-old resident of Bemidji, Minnesota, for his involvement in advertising, distributing, and possessing child sexual abuse material over the dark web. The verdict follows a three-day trial where evidence demonstrated Myran's active participation on a dark web site dedicated to child sexual abuse content.
Court documents revealed that Myran used a unique username to make over a thousand posts on the website. These included requests for specific files and distribution of such material. During a search of Myran's apartment by FBI agents in December 2022, numerous hard drives and a cell phone were seized. Forensic examination linked these devices to Myran’s account on the site, uncovering shared and requested files along with thousands of other illicit images.
The jury found Myran guilty on multiple counts: two for advertising child pornography, one for distributing it, and one for possession. He faces severe penalties: each advertising count carries 15 to 30 years in prison; distribution carries five to 20 years; possession carries up to 20 years. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The announcement was made by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger for the District of Minnesota, and Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. from the FBI Minneapolis Field Office.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Minneapolis Field Office with prosecution led by Trial Attorney William G. Clayman from the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) of the Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Green for the District of Minnesota.
This conviction is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative started in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat child sexual exploitation online. The program involves federal, state, and local resources working together to prosecute offenders and rescue victims.
For further information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.