In a significant breach of trust, Anthony John Crowley, a former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer, entered a guilty plea for possession of child pornography in federal court, as per an announcement by Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's office, this indictment places Crowley as the latest in a disturbing trend of public officials caught in similar criminal acts.
The roots of Crowley's case began with a cyber tip received by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) from the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), which led investigators to discover incriminating materials linked to Crowley through the Kik application; it was here that his phone number and email address connected with an account that uploaded visuals depicting minors in sexual contexts, the BCA executed a search warrant, seizing numerous devices from his Minnetonka home, where they uncovered a stash of illicit content. "Anthony Crowley’s crimes against children are a disgrace," Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson stated, indicating the severity of the officer's misconduct and the rigorous response it demands.
The arraigned former officer awaits sentencing as Judge Laura M. Provinzino presided over his plea in U.S. District Court, while Crowley remains in custody until the forthcoming date for his sentencing is set. During the time of his crimes and subsequent arrest, Crowley was an active member of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which has since placed him on indefinite suspension, highlighting the gravity of his vow's violation.
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis denounced Crowley's actions, emphasizing the sacred duty to protect children above all; a public tipster's initiative, complemented by the comprehensive work of the FBI, BCA, and Minnetonka PD, has brought Crowley's misdeeds to light and according to Winston, this should send a clear message, "there is no hiding. You will be found and brought to justice." The investigation and subsequent prosecution of Crowley has been acknowledged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, expressing gratitude towards the cooperative effort between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of Professional Responsibility, the FBI, and the BCA., Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca E. Kline leads the government's legal proceedings against Crowley.
