The FBI is seeking the public’s help in Indiana for tips in identifying individuals who may have connections to an Eagle River, Alaska suspect arrested on charges of possession of child pornography and attempted coercion of a minor.
Michael Koetter, 28, of Eagle River, who has connections to Indiana, was arrested Wednesday and accused of possessing child pornography depicting minors as young as toddlers, according to investigators. He also allegedly attempted to induce, entice, or coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit behavior by seeking out girls under 12 years old that “have rates,” which is a term often used in the commercial sex industry referring to the price to perform sex acts or purchase sexually explicit images, investigators said.
Koetter is originally from Indiana and investigators believe he may have additional victims in and surrounding Marion County.
Koetter is charged with possession of child pornography depicting minors who have not attained 12 years of age, and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Antony Jung of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office is investigating the case. If anyone has information concerning Koetter’s alleged actions or may have encountered someone in person or online while in Alaska or Indiana using the name Michael Koetter or the username “sskies420,” please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at (907) 276-4441 or anonymously at tips.fbi.gov.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Brickey is prosecuting the case.
