Former Police Officer and Wasilla Resident Sentenced 37 Months for Possession of Child Pornography

ANCHORAGE – Matthew William Schwier, a 39-year-old man from Wasilla, has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for possessing child pornography in his home. Court documents revealed that Schwier had knowingly possessed over 100 still images and multiple videos depicting children being sexually abused. Schwier pleaded guilty on August 31, 2022, to the charge of knowingly possessing child pornography. Following his prison term, Schwier will be on federal supervised release for 7 years. He has also been ordered to pay $15,000.00 in restitution to his victims and must register as a sex offender. Additionally, Schwier will require permission from the U.S. Probation Office to access the internet after his release.

The child pornography collection discovered in Schwier's possession spanned multiple computers and included images depicting the sexual abuse of infants, toddlers, and children subjected to violent abuse. The evidence suggests that Schwier may have utilized his specialized law enforcement training and advanced computer skills to facilitate and attempt to conceal his crimes.

Prior to his arrest, Schwier had worked in technical support, computer repair, and as a supervisor of video surveillance for a private security company. He had also served as a police officer in various locations, including Phoenix, Arizona; Roswell, New Mexico; Elk Point, South Dakota; and Nome, Alaska. The FBI investigation into Schwier began around 2016 when he distributed child pornography to an undercover law enforcement officer over the internet. At the time of his arrest in 2017, Schwier was employed as the Justice Director for the Chickaloon Village Traditional Counsel. The prosecution was prepared to present evidence that Schwier had a reputation for being untruthful within the law enforcement community.

U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska stated, "The Department of Justice will relentlessly pursue, arrest, and prosecute offenders who traffic in child pornography. This case demonstrates that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will hold criminals accountable without fear or favor, including corrupt former law enforcement officers like Mr. Schwier."

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Donald W. Lee II of the FBI Anchorage Field Office emphasized the importance of the sentencing, saying, "May this sentencing serve as a reminder that no one is above the law, and concealing evidence of child exploitation will not go undetected. As these crimes perpetuate the re-victimization of innocent children, the FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to identify and hold accountable those who contribute to the online sexual exploitation of children."

The court proceedings were significantly delayed due to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Alexander, Charisse Arce, Kelly Cavanaugh, Kyle Reardon, Christopher Schroeder, and Jonas Walker over the course of six years. The FBI conducted the investigation.

This case was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood coordinates efforts to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.