A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Claus Svelmo Marcuslund, 58, of Denmark, charging him with the distribution of child pornography and attempted coercion or enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity, federal authorities announced on Thursday in a news release.
According to court documents, Marcuslund in January contacted an undercover agent who had created the profile of a mother with a 7-year-old daughter on a dark web website dedicated to pedophilia.
Over the next several months, it is alleged, Marcuslund sent messages to the agent through the website’s messaging feature, as well as the fully encrypted Telegram application, graphically detailing the sexual acts he sought with the fictional mother and child.
Marcuslund boarded a flight from Copenhagen and landed on July 11 in Fresno, where he was arrested.
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Susanville Man Charged with Sexual Abuse of Minors
In addition, a federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment against Bradley Earl Reger, 67, of Susanville. He was charged with engaging in illicit sexual activity abroad, transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and coercion and enticement.
Since at least 1986, Reger has been heavily involved in various Christian schools, summer camps, youth groups, and church missions. He has held positions as a teacher, camp counselor, church deacon, youth group leader, and owner of affiliated nonprofit organizations, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
The indictment alleges that Reger sexually abused three different minor victims in Susanville, Nevada, Virginia, and Poland. These offenses allegedly took place between 2006 and 2014.
The FBI set up a website for victims after Reger’s arrest. Previously unidentified victims can also call 800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).
“There could potentially be hundreds of victims,” Sacramento FBI Special Agent In Charge Sean Ragan told The Sacramento Bee.
Project Safe Childhood
The indictments are part of an initiative known as Project Safe Childhood that seeks to prevent the sexual exploitation of children and achieve justice for the victims of such crimes.
“To vindicate victims of child exploitation and bring criminals to justice, our law enforcement and our communities must work together in partnership across county, state, and national borders,” U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert said. “Our office is committed to protect our children and hold offenders accountable.”
