Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, has announced the unsealing of a federal indictment against Michael J. Kornely from Francis Creek, Wisconsin. The indictment alleges that Kornely transported two minor victims across state lines with the "intent to engage in criminal sexual activity," violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(a), during 2005 and 2006.
Additionally, Kornely is accused of using a computer to attempt to "persuade, induce, and entice" a minor into unlawful sexual activity in March 2024. This alleged crime contravenes Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b).
If convicted on any of these charges, Kornely faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years' imprisonment and could be sentenced to life in prison. He may also face fines up to $250,000 and would be required to register as a sexual offender under both state and federal law.
The investigation was conducted by the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with support from the Two Rivers Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel R. Humble and Timothy W. Funnell will prosecute the case.
This legal action is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project involves federal, state, and local resources working together to locate and prosecute offenders while identifying and rescuing victims.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation; it does not constitute evidence of guilt. The defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.