Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced Thursday that Alex Asino, 31, was arrested on Nov. 14, 2019, by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Child Exploitation Task Force and was indicted by the Anchorage Grand Jury Wednesday, Nov. 20, in an eight count indictment alleging child sex trafficking, production and distribution of child pornography, and coercion and enticement of a minor.

In September of 2018, Asino was charged by the State of Alaska for delivering a controlled substance to a minor, sexual abuse of a minor, and possession of child pornography. He was subsequently released on bail and placed under house arrest. While on house arrest, Asino continued to engage in the sexual exploitation of children, according to a criminal complaint filed in this matter.

Per the complaint, Asino’s alleged conduct came to the attention of the FBI on Nov. 7, 2019. During online communications, Asino told an undercover law enforcement officer he had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old female. Asino told the undercover law enforcement officer that he met the minor through a social media application. During his communications with the undercover officer, Asino sent images of the 15-year old victim’s body and face to the undercover officer, and then directed the undercover officer to a website where Asino had posted sexually explicit images of the victim. As a result of further investigation thus far, the FBI has identified one additional minor who was allegedly victimized by Asino.

According to the complaint, Asino would prey on his minor victims through online social media applications, such as, but not limited to, Snapchat, Tagged, and Whisper, and would meet minor females through pay dating websites. Asino allegedly distributed meth, cash, food, gifts, and cab fares to minors in exchange for sexual favors. Asino is also accused of posting images of child pornography and personal videos of sexual acts with minors on pornographic websites.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Anchorage Police Department (APD) as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the arrest in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander.

If the public has any further information regarding Asino’s activities, please contact Anchorage FBI at (907) 276-4441.

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