Anthony John Crowley, 52, Betrayed Public Trust by Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material
Anthony John Crowley, 52, a former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer from Minnetonka, Minnesota, pled guilty in federal court today to Possession of Child Pornography. The plea was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson, who condemned the crime as a betrayal of public trust.
Crowley entered his guilty plea today in U.S. District Court before Judge Lauren M. Provinzino. He remains detained as his sentencing hearing is scheduled for a later date. At the time of his crimes and arrest, Crowley was a federal agent; he is now on indefinite suspension.
Investigation and Evidence
According to court documents, the case began in 2022 when the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) received a cyber tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC). The tip indicated that a user was uploading child pornography images via the Kik application.
The Kik user ID was ultimately linked to Crowley’s phone number and email address. Law enforcement subsequently obtained a search warrant for his home and seized electronic devices. Investigators confirmed that the devices contained numerous child pornography images and “child erotica” stories.
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Officials Express Zero Tolerance
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson did not mince words regarding the severity of the offense and the defendant’s position of authority.
“Anthony Crowley’s crimes against children are a disgrace,” Thompson stated. “In the last few months, we have seen a rash of law enforcement officers, public officials, and others in positions of trust abusing children. I have zero tolerance for this betrayal. This office will not relent in holding powerful predators to account.”
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the egregious nature of the betrayal.
“As a Customs and Border Protection Officer, Crowley was in a position of public trust. To betray that trust by possessing child sexual abuse material is an egregious perversion of the honor, integrity, and lawfulness that should exemplify federal agents,” said Agent Winston.
He credited the successful investigation to the combined efforts of the FBI, BCA, the Minnetonka Police Department, and a “courageous public tipster,” sending a firm message: “no matter your position or power, there is no hiding. You will be found and brought to justice.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office recognized the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for their investigative work.
READ: Tampa Man Gets Over Two Decades In Prison For Sex Trafficking
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