K9 Browser Helps FBI In Child Pornography Case Involving IN Man

HAMMOND, IN — An Indiana man is accused of transporting child pornography as the result of an investigation involving the FBI, authorities in Indiana and a K9 unit from the Lake County State's Attorney's Office in Illinois. Michael Christianson, 50, of LaPorte, Indiana, is facing a charge of transportation of child pornography while still on probation following his release from prison in 2016 for a child molestation conviction back in 2002, according to a release by the Lake County State's Attorney's Office. Christianson was sentenced to 30 years in prison and ordered to register as a sexually violent predator for the rest of his life, the release said.

According to the state's attorney's office, the recent criminal complaint claims that on or about July 2, FBI agents from the Charlotte division responded to a complaint by a book publisher about material inside three books submitted for publication, and authored by Christianson.

The books, according to FBI officials, look like they're geared toward children due to the large fonts, simple words, and rhymes, according to the release. The books also reportedly explain and show images that encouraged children to play naked with one another, and encouraged children to play with naked adults, officials said.

According to the release, photographs and illustrations in the books also include depictions of minor children engaging in sexually explicit conduct, F.B.I officials said.

Browser, the electronic detection K9 from the Lake County State's Attorney's Office, and handler Carol Gudbrandsen were called in to assist the F.B.I. in the case, according to the release.

"We are so proud of our electronic evidence canine," Lake County State's Attorney Michael G. Nerheim, said, in the release. "As we have said since the beginning, Browser is and will remain available to any law enforcement agency in need of his services."

The state's attorney's office said anyone with additional information regarding Christianson and any conduct he has had with minor children are encouraged to call the FBI at 219-942-4900.