An Aloha, Oregon man was sentenced on April 7 to ten years in federal prison for accessing child sexual abuse material while on probation for a previous conviction. Thomas Allen Vetsch, age 56, received a sentence of 120 months in prison and ten years of supervised release. He is a registered sex offender due to a prior conviction from 2006.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address repeat offenses involving the exploitation of children. U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford said, “Protecting our children is the District of Oregon’s top priority. Today’s sentence reflects our commitment to holding repeat offenders accountable.”
Homeland Security Investigations Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller also commented on the sentencing: “Mr. Vetsch’s 10-year sentence is clearly warranted, as he is a repeat offender with previous convictions for sexual abuse of a minor and accessing child sexual abuse material. HSI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify those engaged in the exploitation of children, whether directly or indirectly, and will continue to seek out and arrest those who access these materials.”
According to court documents, investigators searched Vetsch’s residence on July 22, 2024 and found a laptop containing dozens of images depicting child sexual abuse material. On August 20 that year, he was indicted by a federal grand jury in Portland for transportation and access with intent to view such materials; he pleaded guilty on January 12, 2026.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon engages in community outreach programs aimed at fighting crime and protecting rights across Oregon according to its official website. The office maintains locations in Portland, Eugene and Medford according to its official website, employs over one hundred staff members according to its official website, and operates as one among ninety-three offices nationwide under the Department of Justice according to its official website. The office seeks justice by representing the United States in both civil and criminal matters while fostering trust within the federal judicial system according to its official website.
Scott Bradford has served as U.S. Attorney after previously holding roles such as Chief of the White Collar Unit and Acting Chief of Counterintelligence and Export Control Section according to his profile.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mira Chernick and Pamela Paaso following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations.
The case forms part of Project Safe Childhood—a national initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006—to combat child exploitation through coordinated efforts among federal prosecutors’ offices across America.
