Norway Man Sentenced For Distribution Of Child Pornography

          MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN — Garrett Joseph Thoresen, 23, of Norway, Michigan was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for distribution of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Miles, Jr. announced today. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Robert Holmes Bell ordered Thoresen to serve five years of court supervision following his release from prison, to pay a $100 special assessment, and to pay $3,000 in restitution to one of his victims. Thoresen will also be required to register as a sexual offender.

          On December 22, 2015, Thoresen pleaded guilty to a federal felony charge of distributing child pornography. Thoresen’s activities came to light through an undercover investigation into his use of a closed peer-to-peer file sharing network. An undercover agent was able to download images and videos containing child pornography from Thoresen’s computer through peer-to-peer software. Investigators obtained a federal search warrant for computer media at Thoresen’s residence. A forensic examination of Thoresen’s computers revealed his possession of approximately 4,600 images and 189 videos containing child pornography involving approximately 65 known child victims.

          This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney's Office, county prosecutor's offices, Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit the following web site: www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

          The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul D. Lochner.

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