U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Anthony John Crowley has been charged with possession of child pornography, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. According to court documents, Crowley, aged 52 from Minnetonka, Minnesota, knowingly possessed materials depicting minors in sexually explicit conduct.
"In recent months, we have seen a rash of agents, officers, and public officials engaging in crimes against children," said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. "Let there be no misunderstanding: the U.S. Attorney’s Office has zero tolerance for people in positions of trust and authority who abuse children. Zero."
Elizabeth Cervantes, acting Executive Director of CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), Investigative Operations stated that "all U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees are required and expected to abide by the laws they enforce." She emphasized CBP's commitment to professionalism and integrity, adding that CBP OPR is dedicated to holding accountable those who betray public trust while supporting employees who uphold their duties.
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis remarked on the erosion of public faith when law enforcers break the law egregiously: "We are seeing a troubling pattern — multiple arrests in recent months involving individuals in positions of authority charged with exploiting children." He assured that position and power will not shield anyone from accountability.
Crowley appeared before Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster at the U.S. District Court today and was ordered to remain in custody pending further proceedings.
The investigation involved efforts from the US Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca E. Kline is prosecuting this case.
It is important to note that a complaint is merely an allegation; the defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
