WI Roommate Blew Whistle On Pedophile Babysitter: Feds

WISCONSIN — A Wisconsin man turned in to authorities by his roommate was sentenced earlier this month to 30 years in prison for sexually abusing a 15-month-old child, federal authorities announced.

John D. Schaefer, 35, of Menasha was convicted of the production of child pornography and distribution of child pornography.

In November 2022, Schaefer's roommate reported to police that he had been shown a video produced by Schaefer depicting the sexual abuse of a child who was approximately 15 months old, according to authorities.

Investigators later learned that Schaefer sexually assaulted the child while acting as a babysitter.

Law enforcement subsequently seized Schaefer’s electronic items, which contained the video of that abuse and over 2.2 terabytes of child sexual abuse material, according to authorities.

During the sentencing hearing on Feb. 13, District Judge William C. Griesbach noted the horrific nature of the defendant’s actions and the long-term mental health effects that his actions had on his victim and on the children depicted in the over 156,000 images and videos that he possessed and distributed.

Griesbach also found a strong need to protect the community and sentenced Schaefer to 25 years of imprisonment.