Dr. Calvin Eriksen, a 47-year-old surgeon from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for distributing child pornography. The sentencing was handed down by United States District Judge Brett H. Ludwig on January 29, 2026.
The investigation began after four CyberTips were referred to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding user accounts on the Kik online platform that had received and distributed child sexual abuse material (CSAM). These tips led law enforcement to search Eriksen’s home and workplace, where they found CSAM images depicting the abuse of infants and toddlers. Authorities also discovered that Eriksen had communicated online with an undercover law enforcement agent posing as the mother of an eight-year-old girl. During these conversations, Eriksen expressed interest in sexually assaulting the supposed child and sent a naked photo of himself.
At sentencing, Judge Ludwig commented on the severity of Eriksen’s actions, stating that his behavior contributed to a market perpetuating child abuse. After serving his prison term, Eriksen will be subject to seven years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender under both state and federal laws.
United States Attorney Brad Schimel stated: “We have no higher priority in the criminal justice system than to protect children, and we will continue to devote substantial resources to catching and punishing those who steal their innocence. This case demonstrates the troubling reality that people who prey on children for sexual gratification can come from all walks of life.”
Chief Christopher Garcia of the Brookfield Police Department said: “This case is a disturbing example of criminal conduct that scars children for life and compromises the feeling of safety and security that all parents, families and communities deserve to enjoy.”
He added: “The City of Brookfield Police Department is thankful for the efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Attorney’s Office. I am proud to have such outstanding criminal justice partners who are committed to protecting our children and holding people accountable for such egregious crimes.”
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations offices in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, West Palm Beach, Florida, as well as by the City of Brookfield Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Megan J. Thomas prosecuted the case.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local agencies.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
