Grand Rapids, Michigan – June 8, 2007 – United States Attorney Charles R. Gross, Special Agent in Charge Daniel D. Roberts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Sheriff Dale Gribler of the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office announce that on June 6, 2007, Kurt Alfred Amundson, age 42 and Robert George Shafer, age 43, of Hartford, Michigan, were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to the sexual exploitation of children.

On June 8, 2007, Mr. Amundson and Mr. Shafer had their initial appearance before the Honorable Ellen S. Carmody, U.S. Magistrate Judge. The defendants were held in custody pending a detention hearing that will be held next week.

Counts One and Two of the indictment allege that both men sexually exploited a child by producing images of that minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251. Each count carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum penalty of 30 years imprisonment, followed by supervised release up to life, and a $250,000 fine. Count Three alleges that Mr. Amundson received child pornography, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 2252(a)(2), which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment, lifetime supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Counts Four and Five allege that both men possessed illegal images of children engaging in sexual activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and 2252A(a)(5)(B). Each count carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years of imprisonment, lifetime supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Count Six makes a forfeiture claim for their residence and other items of personal property that were used to facilitate the illegal activity.

The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation of this matter is being conducted through the joint efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hartford Police Department. This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The United States Attorney’s Office, County Prosecutor’s Offices, Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, 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, please visit the following web site: www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Prosecution of this case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Mekaru.

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