S. Lane Tucker, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office District of Alaska
A soldier stationed at Fort Wainwright was taken into custody following charges related to child pornography. The arrest took place on the military base after a criminal complaint was filed in federal court, accusing him of production and possession of child pornography.
Court documents reveal that on September 11, 2024, the Fort Eustis Resident Unit of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (DACID) received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The cybertip indicated that five images depicting alleged child sexual abuse material (CSAM) had been uploaded to an online platform. Upon review, Fort Eustis DACID confirmed these images showed CSAM involving prepubescent female children.
The investigation led law enforcement to execute search warrants in October 2024 at the residence of David Andres Mayoral, 20. Searches were conducted on Mayoral’s electronic devices and his account on the online platform mentioned in the tip.
Forensic examinations allegedly uncovered over 2,500 images and more than 680 videos of suspected CSAM across four messaging applications linked to Mayoral's accounts and devices. Additionally, it is alleged that Mayoral engaged in sexually explicit conversations with minor victims, requesting them to take explicit photos and send them to him.
Mayoral faces three counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. If convicted, he could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge who will consider U.S. Sentencing Guidelines among other factors.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman from the District of Alaska, along with Special Agent in Charge Michele Starostka from DACID Western Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day from FBI Anchorage Field Office.
Investigations are being conducted by DACID and FBI Anchorage Field Office. Those with information regarding Mayoral’s actions or encounters with someone using “David Mayoral” or “ghoulishclown” online are urged to contact DACID at (907)353-6212 or anonymously via www.cid.army.mil/Submit-a-Tip/.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carly Vosacek and Jennifer Ivers are handling prosecution duties for this case.
This situation is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation since May 2006 through coordinated efforts across various jurisdictions to apprehend offenders exploiting children online while also rescuing victims involved.
It should be noted that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation; defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court proceedings.
