An Anchorage man was taken into custody at his home on charges related to child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). The arrest followed an investigation that began after Anthaney O’Connor, 25, reported another individual to law enforcement on August 13, 2024. O'Connor claimed the person intended to commit sexual assaults against minors and had sent him CSAM.
Authorities examined O'Connor's phone and found two images of CSAM allegedly sent by the other individual. They also discovered discussions about creating virtual reality-generated CSAM using a photo of a prepubescent boy taken secretly at a local store. O'Connor reportedly possessed approximately six AI/cartoon drawings/images depicting CSAM, four CSAM images, and two videos containing CSAM.
A search warrant executed at O'Connor’s residence on December 19, 2024, led to the discovery of additional CSAM images and videos on his computer. Some were AI images/anime depicting prepubescent children. Law enforcement also found electronic storage devices hidden in his bedroom closet vents; their contents are under review.
O’Connor faces one count each of receipt and distribution of child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography. Each charge carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison if convicted. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day from the FBI Anchorage Field Office announced the arrest.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Caille Petursson is prosecuting.
This action is part of Project Safe Childhood, initiated by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation online by marshaling federal, state, and local resources for prosecution efforts while identifying victims for rescue.
"A criminal complaint is merely an allegation," it was noted, "and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."