Lucas Matthew Kramer, a former climbing coach from Duluth, Minnesota, has been sentenced to 78 months in prison for possession of child pornography. The sentence includes five years of supervised release following his prison term. Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick announced the sentencing and stated that Kramer is also required to pay restitution to his victims and a $7,500 assessment under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Assistance Act of 2018.
“Few crimes are as heinous as the sexual exploitation of minors,” said Kirkpatrick. “My office will continue to prioritize charging predators who hold positions of trust in our community. Coaches, daycare providers, and others in positions of trust who prey on children will face federal justice.”
The investigation into Kramer's activities began when law enforcement received a tip about an online user named "northernboy35" uploading child pornography via the Kik messenger application. Authorities traced this activity back to Kramer after linking his email and IP address to the uploads.
A search warrant executed at Kramer's residence revealed over 600 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on various electronic devices. His collection included graphic content involving prepubescent children, some as young as toddlers. Evidence also showed sexually explicit chats between Kramer and self-identified prepubescent minors.
Kramer pleaded guilty on October 11, 2024, to one count of possession of child pornography. He was sentenced by Judge Eric C. Tostrud on March 19, 2024. During sentencing, Judge Tostrud described Kramer's actions as “deeply troubling” with materials that reflected "depravity" and demonstrated a "callous indifference" towards his victims' humanity.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) along with the Duluth Police Department. Jamie Holt from ICE HSI Saint Paul emphasized their commitment to pursuing those exploiting children: “The sentencing of Lucas Mathew Kramer concludes a successful investigation focused on those who seek to exploit our children."
Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa expressed appreciation for their collaboration with HSI: “The Duluth Police Department appreciates its partnership with Homeland Security Investigations in holding this offender accountable to the highest standards.”
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan L. Sing prosecuted the case.
