Roger B. Handberg, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida
A Palm Bay resident, Erik Bjorndal, has been sentenced to 11 years and 4 months in federal prison for the receipt of child sexual abuse material. The sentence was delivered by U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger after Bjorndal pled guilty on August 21, 2024.
Court documents reveal that Bjorndal downloaded multiple videos depicting the violent sexual abuse of children, including content with sadistic and masochistic conduct and bestiality. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted a search at his home, uncovering hundreds of such images on his devices. During an FBI interview, Bjorndal admitted to viewing these materials since his late twenties.
The investigation was carried out by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. This initiative involves collaboration among federal, state, and local resources to locate and prosecute offenders while rescuing victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
