Colorado Man Convicted at Trial of Sexually Abusing a Child on Camera And Advertising the Videos for Sale Over the Dark Web
A Colorado man was convicted for conspiring with his wife to sexually abuse a child in Mexico and sell the videos on the dark web, facing up to 150 years in prison.
A federal jury in Maryland found Alekzander Quinn Bywater, 32, guilty of conspiring with his wife to sexually abuse a prepubescent child in Mexico and advertise the videos for sale online. The crimes were uncovered after law enforcement identified the videos circulating on the internet, leading to an undercover FBI operation that confirmed the abuse and subsequent sale of the material. Bywater faces a maximum penalty of 150 years in prison for his role in the conspiracy and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
The case involved two videos created in January 2024, which Bywater uploaded to a publicly available website and advertised for sale. An undercover FBI agent purchased the videos in February 2024, while additional evidence was recovered from devices used in the offense, including thousands of CSAM images and videos depicting other victims. Bywater’s wife, Anika Bywater, 29, was previously sentenced to 25 years in prison for her involvement in the conspiracy.
Federal authorities emphasized the severity of the crimes, noting that Bywater’s actions exploited a vulnerable child and sought to profit from the abuse. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva described the conduct as among the most depraved, while U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes highlighted the collaborative efforts of law enforcement to ensure accountability and protect children from further harm.
The conviction is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The case was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit, with support from international and domestic law enforcement partners, and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.