Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Dennis Weston, 54, of Anchorage, charging him with one count of sexual exploitation of a child – possession of child pornography.  

The indictment alleges that in June 2018, Weston knowingly possessed, by means and facility of interstate and foreign commerce, visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, located on a computer or digital device.  Weston is a former employee of the State of Alaska Department of Juvenile Justice, who had previously worked at the McLaughlin Youth Center.

If the public has any further information or concerns about the activities of Weston, please contact the FBI at (907) 276-4441.

If convicted, Weston faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander.

This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood.  In May 2006, DOJ launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.