Petersburg Man Arraigned on Distribution, Receipt, and Possession of Child Pornography

ANCHORAGE—U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that a Petersburg man was arraigned today on a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Juneau, Alaska, for the distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography.

Tye Leif Petersen, 45, of Petersburg, Alaska, was arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leslie C. Longenbaugh on a three-count criminal complaint charging a count each of distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography. Petersen was ordered detained pending trial.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack S. Schmidt, who is prosecuting the case, indicated that the law provides those convicted of distribution or receipt of child pornography, a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum sentence of 10 years; however, the maximum sentence increases to 20 years and $250,000 fine, if the images depict children under the age of 12 years. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The charges against Petersen are the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in cooperation with the Petersburg Police Department. If the public has any further information, questions, or concerns about the activities of Petersen, please contact the Petersburg Police Department at (907) 772-3838.

A criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.