Janesville Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Receiving Child Pornography

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Mark Spengler, 57, Janesville, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release for receipt of child pornography.  Judge Conley also ordered Spengler to pay $47,000 in restitution.  Spengler pleaded guilty to this charge on June 7, 2022.

On May 31, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Spengler’s residence.  While examining Spengler’s computer equipment, a forensic analyst from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) found multiple videos showing prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  Law enforcement officers also interviewed Spengler, who admitted that he used a file sharing program to search for and obtain child sexual assault material.

In sentencing Spengler, Judge Conley expressed concern for Spengler’s deep rooted sexual attraction to children. Judge Conley also noted that many files found on Spengler’s computer involved violent sexual acts directed towards minors.

The charge against Spengler was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Altman and Julie Pfluger prosecuted this case.