Anthony Spetoskey, age 35, of Grand Rapids, was sentenced to 360 months in prison for sexual exploitation of a child, according to a May 5 announcement by U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey. During sentencing, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Jonker described Spetoskey's conduct as “about as egregious as I have seen.”
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal law enforcement to address online exploitation and protect children from internet predators. The prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006.
VerHey said, “Spetosky is an internet predator based in Grand Rapids who trolled for underage girls around the world to psychologically coerce them into doing themselves psychological and physical harm. He did this to make money, but also because he considered it fun. But while he was hunting for his victims, we were hunting for him. No one will see Spetosky on our streets for the next 30 years because he will be in prison, where he belongs, thanks to the hard work of federal law enforcement. Others like Spetosky should take note—we are coming for you too.”
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) London first alerted HSI Grand Rapids about a subject involved in sextortion and distribution of child pornography possibly located in West Michigan in October 2024. Through extensive investigation despite attempts by Spetoskey to conceal his identity online and evade detection, agents identified him as the perpetrator.
Operating under various names including "NoLimits," Spetoskey ran a Telegram group used to coerce victims—some underage girls—into producing exploitative material that sometimes involved self-harm and claimed responsibility online for more than 250 victims over five years both within the United States and overseas.
“This sentencing demonstrates the steadfast commitment of HSI to protect children from exploitation, no matter where offenders operate or how they attempt to conceal their crimes,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “This investigation is a testament to the power of international collaboration, with HSI Grand Rapids, HSI London and foreign law enforcement working side-by-side to identify and apprehend a predator who targeted vulnerable victims both in the United States and abroad.”
HSI Grand Rapids and HSI London investigated this case while Assistant U.S. Attorney Constance Turnbull prosecuted it.
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan prosecutes federal crimes such as this one while managing civil litigation on behalf of the United States; its offices are located across Michigan including staffed locations in Grand Rapids and Marquette along with unstaffed offices elsewhere; it employs about seventy prosecutors and staff members; serves approximately 1.6 million residents; provides support services for crime victims; promotes community health through heroin/opioid awareness efforts; recovers government debts; ranks among America's longest-standing federal law enforcement districts—all according to the official website.
