Walter Albert Sebaste, a 41-year-old Portland resident, was sentenced on July 29 to 51 months in federal prison and ten years of supervised release for possessing child sexual abuse material.
“Crimes against children are a priority for my office. Children are the future of our nation. Their abuse is magnified when it is recorded and accessed by criminals such as Walter Sebaste,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Today’s sentence is a reflection of the serious harm caused every time a child’s abuse is viewed, and the culmination of the hard work of the FBI and our office to hold abusers accountable.”
FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson said, “Today’s sentence reflects the unwavering commitment of the FBI and our partners to protect children and hold child sex offenders accountable. Our work is driven by the courage of victims, and we stand with them as they seek justice and healing. We are grateful for the partnership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon in bringing offenders like Walter Sebaste before the court. These crimes cause profound harm, and there is absolutely no place for them in our community.”
Sebaste’s residence was searched on September 19, 2025, resulting in law enforcement seizing his electronic devices that contained over one thousand images depicting child sexual abuse material. A federal grand jury indicted Sebaste on February 19, 2025; he pleaded guilty on April 30, 2026.
The case was investigated by FBI agents and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Rochat.
Anyone with information about physical or online exploitation of children can contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction involving sexually explicit conduct with minors; such images document actual crimes against children that can re-victimize those depicted each time they are shared or viewed online.
This prosecution occurred under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by Department of Justice offices nationwide to combat child exploitation since May 2006 through collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies.
Scott Bradford has served as U.S. Attorney after holding roles including Chief of the White Collar Unit and Acting Chief of Counterintelligence and Export Control Section,according to the official website. The U.S. Attorney’s Office engages in community outreach across Oregon; maintains offices in Portland, Eugene, and Medford; employs over one hundred staff members; operates under Department of Justice oversight as one among ninety-three such offices nationwide,according to its official website. The office seeks justice through civil/criminal representation while fostering trust in federal courts,according to its official website.