Malden Man Facing Federal Child Exploitation Charges

MALDEN, MA — The police department assisted federal authorities with the arrest of a man Tuesday morning who is now facing multiple federal child exploitation charges.

Anthony Fowlkes was taken into custody at approximately 6 a.m. as part of an ongoing federal investigation originating in Michigan. Malden police said the operation was led by Homeland Security Investigations offices in New England and Detroit, with the department providing local assistance and support.

Fowlkes is accused of exploiting and extorting multiple teenage girls in Michigan after obtaining explicit images from them. He has been charged with sexual exploitation of a child, distributing and receiving child pornography, transferring obscene matter to a minor, and interstate threats with intent to extort. Federal court records indicate investigators are also looking into the possibility of additional underage victims.

Fowlkes was arrested without incident pursuant to a federal arrest warrant, while a federal search warrant was also executed at his residence as part of the investigation. He was subsequently transferred to federal custody and transported to the federal courthouse in Boston. Court records indicate Fowlkes waived his right to a probable cause hearing and consented to being detained. Malden police said no local or state charges have been filed in connection with the investigation.

At the time of his arrest, Fowlkes worked for AlphaBEST and had formerly been employed at the Linden School, according to Malden Public Schools. The district said police notified school officials of Fowlkes' arrest Tuesday morning and confirmed that the arrest took place off campus.

"Based on the seriousness of the allegations, Mr. Fowlkes has been terminated by AlphaBEST, and he no longer has access to all Malden Public Schools facilities," Superintendent Timothy Sippel said in a statement to the school community.

Sippel said the district will fully cooperate with federal, state and local officials as the investigation continues. He also emphasized that school officials currently have no indication that the charges involve Malden Public Schools in any way.

"If you have any questions, concerns, or information regarding this matter, please contact the Malden Police Department," Sippel said.

The superintendent acknowledged the impact the news may have on the school community and said the safety of students and staff remains the district's "highest priority."

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