PORTLAND, Ore. — An Aloha, Oregon, man was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in federal prison for accessing child sexual abuse material while on probation for a prior sex abuse conviction, federal prosecutors said.
Thomas Allen Vetsch, 56, received a sentence of 120 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. He is a registered sex offender stemming from a 2006 conviction for encouraging child sex abuse.
According to court records, investigators searched Vetsch’s residence on July 22, 2024, and seized a laptop that contained 43 images of child sexual abuse material. At the time, Vetsch was on probation for a 2023 conviction related to sex abuse.
A federal grand jury in Portland indicted Vetsch on August 20, 2024, charging him with transportation of child pornography and accessing with intent to view child pornography. He later pleaded guilty on January 12, 2026, to accessing child sexual abuse material with intent to view.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford said the sentence underscores the federal government’s focus on protecting children and prosecuting repeat offenders.
“Protecting our children is the District of Oregon’s top priority,” Bradford said. “Today’s sentence reflects our commitment to holding repeat offenders accountable.”
Homeland Security Investigations officials emphasized the seriousness of repeat offenses involving child exploitation.
“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,” said April Miller, acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Seattle. “HSI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify those engaged in the exploitation of children and bring them to justice.”
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mira Chernick and Pamela Paaso.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about the exploitation of children to contact Homeland Security Investigations at 1-866-347-2423 or submit a tip online through the CyberTipline.
Federal officials note that child sexual abuse material documents real crimes against children and can continue to harm victims each time the material is viewed or shared.
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