An Utqiagvik man, Billy Ray Okpeaha Jr., has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for producing child pornography. He will also serve 10 years on supervised release following his imprisonment. The case was investigated by local law enforcement and the FBI as part of efforts to combat child exploitation.
Court documents reveal that an undercover detective posed as a 13-year-old girl online, interacting with Okpeaha from November 6, 2023, to January 18, 2024. During this period, Okpeaha sent explicit content and discussed meeting in person for sexual activities. He was arrested on January 22, 2024, after attempting to arrange a meeting at a hotel.
Following his arrest, investigators found child sexual abuse materials on his electronic devices. A known minor victim confirmed sending images at Okpeaha's request. Although initially released under supervision before trial, Okpeaha fled but was re-arrested in Coldfoot, Alaska.
On September 4, 2024, he pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography.
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker stated: “Crimes against children are among the most heinous offenses... Mr. Okpeaha deliberately targeted innocent children in a rural village for his own sexual gratification.” Special Agent Rebecca Day added: “This investigation and sentencing demonstrate the severity of the defendant’s crimes.”
The case involved cooperation between multiple agencies including the FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department under Project Safe Childhood—an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child exploitation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Vosacek prosecuted the case.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood visit www.justice.gov/psc.