Gregory J. Haanstad, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that a federal grand jury indicted Matthew W. Tolkinen on November 19, 2024. Tolkinen, aged 53 and from Wadena, Minnesota, faces charges related to attempting to sexually exploit a minor.
Court documents reveal that Tolkinen engaged in an online conversation with an undercover officer from the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office posing as a 12-year-old girl. During these exchanges, Tolkinen expressed his intent to engage in sexual activities with the child and requested explicit photographs. He also warned about potential pain during the planned encounter.
Tolkinen was arrested in Minnesota on November 20, 2024. Agents found evidence of these conversations on his phone and noted he searched for directions to Appleton, Wisconsin on the day of his indictment.
On December 5, 2024, Tolkinen appeared before Senior District Judge William C. Griesbach and was detained pending trial set for February 10, 2025.
Previously convicted in Ramsey County, Minnesota in 2018 for soliciting a child for sexual conduct, Tolkinen is registered as a sex offender. The current charges include attempting to exploit a minor and committing a felony involving a minor while required to register as a sex offender under Title 18 of the United States Code Sections 2251(a) and 2260A respectively. If convicted, he faces at least 25 years in federal prison.
The Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case which will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alexander E. Duros.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative by the U.S. Department of Justice launched in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local agencies.
An indictment is merely an accusation; it does not prove guilt. The defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
For further information contact Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales at (414) 297-1700 or follow updates on Twitter.