A Wasilla physician has been arrested following a federal grand jury indictment alleging possession of child sexual abuse materials, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska.
Dr. Jeffery Sponsler, 67, was charged with one count of possession of child pornography. Sponsler is a practicing doctor at the Alaska Brain Center and is also the owner of Alaska Music and Arts, a studio offering music, dance, and karate classes to children.
According to the Department of Justice, federal authorities allege that on March 17, Sponsler possessed and accessed a computer containing images of child sexual abuse. The material reportedly included depictions of a prepubescent minor under the age of 12.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office began investigating Sponsler after receiving a tip regarding his alleged possession of child pornography. A search of Sponsler’s residence led to the seizure of multiple electronic devices, including desktop and laptop computers, external hard drives, memory cards, DVDs, and VHS tapes.
The initial forensic review of these items revealed videos and images described in court documents as “nude beauty contests” involving both minors and adults, DOJ said. Prosecutors allege that Sponsler edited and enhanced the material to focus on the genitalia of girls believed to be between the ages of 5 and 12, creating slideshows from the images.
According to his biography at Alaska Brain Center, he sees patients with disorders such as epilepsy, neuromuscular disorders, neuropathy, stroke, headaches and migraine, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson disease, myasthenia gravis, spinal cord disorders, dysequilibrium, balance, dizziness, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Sponsler has admitting and consulting privileges at Matsu Regional Medical Center in Palmer, where he manages a two-bed epilepsy monitoring unit with full time EEG technician monitoring.
“Dr. Sponsler enjoys backpacking, running, exploring Alaska and Shotokan Karate. He also knows 10 computer programming languages and plays 5 musical instruments. He plays piano and saxophone in the worship band of Wasilla Community Church and is an instructor of Shotokan Karate at Alaska Music and Arts,” his biography states.
Sponsler is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on June 9, before US. Magistrate Judge Kyle F. Reardon in Anchorage. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Sentencing, if applicable, would be determined by a U.S. district judge in accordance with federal sentencing guidelines.
The FBI and Alaska State Troopers are leading the investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at (907) 276-4441 or submit tips anonymously at tips.fbi.gov.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Ivers.
20 years sounds a little light.