Lake Geneva Man Charged with Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography

James L. Santelle, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced today that a federal grand jury had returned a two-count indictment charging Donald J. Vanderbloomen (age 31) of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, with receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography.

Count one alleges that in approximately April 2007, Vanderbloomen received via computer images and movies constituting child pornography. If convicted of this offense, Vanderbloomen would face a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment. He also would face a fine of up to $250,000 and up to a life term of supervised release.

Count two alleges that on May 8, 2007, Vanderbloomen possessed images and movies constituting child pornography. If convicted of this offense, Vanderbloomen would face up to 10 years in prison. He also would face a fine of up to $250,000 and up to a life term of supervised release.

The case was the result of an investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the case had originally been charged by the Washington County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Brian J. Resler has been assigned to prosecute this case.

According to United States Attorney Santelle, “The Department of Justice has made the protection of our nation’s children a top priority through Project Safe Childhood, and prosecutions such as this further that priority.”

An indictment 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.