Another Law Enforcement Officer In Minnesota Charged In Child Exploitation Case

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer has been charged with possessing child pornography, Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson announced Friday.

Anthony John Crowley, 52, of Minnetonka, is accused of knowingly possessing materials containing images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, according to court documents.

Friday’s charge is part of a string of recent arrests involving Minnesota-based law enforcement officials accused of crimes against children.

Earlier this week, a Homeland Security Investigations agent based in Eagan was arrested for allegedly producing child pornography.

And in May, Minnesota State Trooper Jeremy Plonski was charged in both state and federal court in a case linked to the app Kik.

"In recent months, we have seen a rash of agents, officers, and public officials engaging in crimes against children," said Thompson. "Let there be no misunderstanding: the U.S. Attorney’s Office has zero tolerance for people in positions of trust and authority who abuse children. Zero."

Elizabeth Cervantes, acting executive director of CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility, added, "All CBP employees are expected to uphold the laws they enforce. CBP OPR is committed to holding anyone accountable who betrays the public’s trust."

FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. said the case reflects a disturbing trend.

"When those who take an oath to uphold the law break it in the most egregious way, it erodes public trust," Winston said. "Let one thing be clear: position and power will not shield you from accountability. If you harm a child, we will find you — and we will bring you to justice."

Crowley made his initial appearance Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster and was ordered to remain in custody pending further proceedings.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca E. Kline. The U.S. Attorney’s Office credited the FBI, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility for their work on the investigation.