Anthony John Crowley, a 52-year-old former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer, entered a guilty plea on charges of possessing child pornography, in a turn of events that reflects a troubling trend among those in positions of authority. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson conveyed his disapproval by declaring, "Anthony Crowley's crimes against children are a disgrace." He added, "I have zero tolerance for this betrayal. This office will not relent in holding powerful predators to account." These comments were documented in a report by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Detailing the events that led to Crowley's fall from grace, court documents revealed that the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension received a cyber tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children task force. The tip highlighted the use of the Kik application for uploading child pornography, which was traced back to an account that was linked to Crowley's personal information. Upon execution of a search warrant at his home in Minnetonka, Minnesota, authorities discovered several images of child pornography and stories of "child erotica" on his seized electronic devices.
Crowley, who was detained pending sentencing, pleaded guilty to the charges in U.S. District Court before Judge Lauren M. Provinzino. The date for the sentencing hearing has yet to be determined. The former officer is currently on indefinite suspension following the revelation of his illicit activities while he was supposed to be serving in a role that demanded the utmost integrity.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Minnesota, Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of the FBI, Minneapolis, said about the case, "Protecting children is our highest calling." His stern message to others who might engage in similar behavior was clear: "You will be found and brought to justice." Winston's statements underscore the commitment of law enforcement to tackle such heinous offenses, coming from a man leading the charge against child exploitation. Acknowledgements were made to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of Professional Responsibility, the FBI, and BCA for their meticulous work in the investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The prosecution of the case against Crowley is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca E. Kline, according to the same source. As this case progresses to sentencing, the federal government continues to assert its stance against corruption and abuse, especially from those who once wielded the mantle of public trust.
