Anthony Spetoskey, age 35, of Grand Rapids, was sentenced to 360 months in prison for sexual exploitation of a child, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey announced on May 5. U.S. District Judge Robert J. Jonker described Spetoskey’s conduct as “about as egregious as I have seen.”
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal law enforcement to combat online child exploitation and protect vulnerable victims in the United States and abroad.
VerHey said, “Spetosky is an internet predator based in Grand Rapids who trolled for underage girls around the world to psychologically coerce them into doing themselves psychological and physical harm. He did this to make money, but also because he considered it fun. But while he was hunting for his victims, we were hunting for him. No one will see Spetosky on our streets for the next 30 years because he will be in prison, where he belongs, thanks to the hard work of federal law enforcement. Others like Spetosky should take note—we are coming for you too.”
According to information presented at sentencing and during investigation, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) London notified HSI Grand Rapids in October 2024 about a subject involved in sextortion and distribution of child pornography possibly located in West Michigan. Agents identified Spetoskey despite his efforts to conceal his identity online and evade detection.
Spetoskey operated under various names including “NoLimits” on Telegram where he coerced victims—some underage—into producing exploitative material that sometimes involved self-harm. He claimed responsibility for more than 250 victims over five years with targets both domestically and overseas.
“This sentencing demonstrates the steadfast commitment of HSI to protect children from exploitation, no matter where offenders operate or how they attempt to conceal their crimes,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “This investigation is a testament to the power of international collaboration, with HSI Grand Rapids, HSI London and foreign law enforcement working side-by-side to identify and apprehend a predator who targeted vulnerable victims both in the United States and abroad.”
HSI Grand Rapids and HSI London investigated this case; Assistant U.S. Attorney Constance Turnbull prosecuted it.
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan handles federal prosecutions—including cases such as this—and civil litigation across one of the largest federal law enforcement areas with approximately 1.6 million residents; it operates offices throughout Michigan including staffed locations in Grand Rapids and Marquette according to the official website.
This prosecution was part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide Department of Justice initiative launched in May 2006—to address child sexual exploitation via coordinated resources at all levels aimed at locating offenders online while rescuing victims.
