Michael Thompson from Minneapolis, Minnesota, faces charges of production and attempted production of child pornography. Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick announced the charges against Thompson.
Court documents reveal that on December 29, 2024, Michael Benjamin Thompson, aged 37, traveled from Minnesota to Iowa to meet a teenage minor he had encountered online. During his visit, Thompson engaged in sexual activities with the minor. Their communication continued, and on January 30, 2025, Thompson allegedly persuaded the minor to send him sexually explicit images.
The criminal complaint was filed in U.S. District Court. On May 2, 2025, during a detention hearing before Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright, Thompson was ordered to remain in custody pending further legal proceedings.
Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick stated: “We are experiencing an epidemic of online-facilitated sex abuse in Minnesota.” She emphasized her office's commitment to prosecuting those who prey on children via the internet.
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr., of FBI Minneapolis added: "Crimes against children violations are among the most reprehensible crimes we investigate." He assured that the FBI is committed to bringing offenders to justice and protecting communities by collaborating with partners.
The case results from an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Ankeny Police Department.
Individuals who believe they or their child may be victims of Michael Thompson are urged to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruth S. Shnider is leading the prosecution of this case.
It is important to note that a complaint is merely an allegation and does not establish guilt; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.