“Child exploitation cases are some of our most critical as we work to protect our most vulnerable: our children,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “While thankfully the evidence in this case did not reveal any hands-on abuse of children, there is everlasting harm suffered by the victims whose images were traded on the internet by Mr. Arkesteyn. I am proud of the law enforcement work to hold him accountable.”
In pleading guilty, Arkesteyn admitted to possessing over 700 images of child pornography, some involving children who had not yet reached puberty. As described in more detail in the criminal complaint, Arkesteyn posted images and videos of child pornography in a social media group called “kiddo only.” Arkseteyn also communicated privately with an undercover FBI task force officer about a sexual interest in children and his work as a custodian in a Kent County elementary school. The relevant school district was notified.
“Today’s conviction of Bradley Arkesteyn sends a stern message to those who commit crimes involving our children that they will be investigated and arrested by members of the FBI and our law enforcement partners in Michigan. Mr. Arkseteyn used his position as a school janitor to feed his sexual interest in children,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Michigan. “The members from FBI Michigan, alongside task force officers from the West Michigan Based Child Exploitation Task Force, worked tirelessly to investigate this crime, and their dedicated work contributed to the conviction of a sexual predator.”
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor’s offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case.
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