Ex-U.S. Customs Officer From Minnetonka Guilty in Child Porn Case

Sep 29

A former federal officer from Minnetonka has admitted to possessing child pornography after investigators traced illicit online activity back to his phone and email accounts.

Anthony John Crowley, 52, a former U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, pled guilty Friday in U.S. District Court to one count of possession of child pornography.

> Sign up for the MN CRIME newsletter

Court records show that in 2022, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension received a cyber tip through the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Investigators were told that a Kik messenger account was used to upload child pornography. The account was linked to Crowley’s phone number and email address. Authorities obtained a search warrant for his Minnetonka home, where they seized electronic devices. Investigators later discovered numerous child pornography files and written stories described as “child erotica.”

PREVIOUSLY: Customs Officer Arrested for Child Porn Possession

At the time of his arrest, Crowley was employed as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer. Federal officials confirmed he has since been placed on indefinite suspension.

READ MORE > Federal coverage

Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson said in a statement, “Anthony Crowley’s crimes against children are a disgrace. 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.”
FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. also issued a statement: “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. Protecting children is our highest calling. This case, made possible by a courageous public tipster and the excellent work of the FBI, BCA, and Minnetonka PD, should send a clear message to anyone who would abuse or exploit children—no matter your position or power, there is no hiding. You will be found and brought to justice.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office credited the FBI, the BCA, Minnetonka Police, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility for their work on the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca E. Kline is handling the prosecution.

At sentencing, Crowley faces up to 20 years in federal prison. He remains in custody while awaiting sentencing.

> See more of our latest coverage