Former Outlook Resident Pleads Guilty to US Child Pornography Charges – SwiftCurrentOnline.com

Matthew Norman Ballek, 32, of Outlook, Saskatchewan, pleaded guilty to a federal charge of child pornography in the United States.

The former Outlook resident, who worked as a financial risk specialist for the World Bank in Washington, D.C., was arrested in February 2024 after distributing child pornography to an undercover law enforcement agent. Ballek’s ties to Outlook, Saskatchewan, were highlighted in the announcement of his plea deal. While Ballek had lived in Washington, D.C. for two years, his social media profiles revealed he was from the Saskatchewan city. His LinkedIn profile also indicated previous employment at the Bank of Canada, demonstrating a connection to his Canadian roots.

The investigation, led by the FBI-MPD Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, began with an undercover agent monitoring an online dating app known to be used by people with a sexual interest for children. Ballek contacted the undercover agent and expressed interest in child pornography, ultimately sending three videos depicting child sexual abuse.

Ballek’s arrest led to the seizure of his phone, which contained numerous child pornography images and videos. The plea agreement resulted in a guilty plea to one count of possession of child pornography. Ballek now faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, as well as mandatory restitution to the victims.

In addition to a custodial sentence, Ballek must pay mandatory restitution of at least $3,000 to any identified victims. Statutory penalties for federal offenses are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, the DOJ cautioned in its press release, emphasizing that any sentence will be determined by the Court based on the Criminal Justice Advisory Guidelines. sentencing and other statutory factors.

Additionally, Ballek will be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to deportation proceedings and other negative immigration consequences following any prison sentence.

The DOJ says his case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood brings together federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute children. individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

News of Ballek’s conviction highlights the seriousness of the online distribution of child pornography and the global reach of law enforcement’s efforts to combat this crime. It also highlights the importance of recognizing the devastating impact of this crime on victims and the continued need to raise awareness of the risks and dangers associated with online child exploitation.