A federal grand jury has indicted Justin D. Kagerbauer, 46, of Muskego, Wisconsin, on three counts related to child exploitation crimes. The indictment was issued on December 9, 2025, according to Brad D. Schimel, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
Kagerbauer faces charges including attempted interstate or foreign travel with intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor; using a computer to attempt to persuade, induce, or entice a minor into unlawful sexual activity; and distribution of child pornography. These alleged offenses violate various sections of Title 18 of the United States Code.
Court documents state that Kagerbauer became the subject of an undercover operation initiated in the United Kingdom. He is accused of communicating online from March through late November 2025 with an adult in the UK and planning to travel there to sexually assault a nine-year-old girl.
If convicted on the first count, Kagerbauer could face up to 30 years in prison. The second count carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and up to life imprisonment. The third count requires at least five years’ imprisonment and up to twenty years. Each count also allows for fines up to $250,000. In addition, Kagerbauer may be required to register as a sex offender under both state and federal law.
The investigation involved law enforcement agencies from the United Kingdom and Homeland Security Investigations based in Milwaukee. Assistant United States Attorney Abbey M. Marzick is prosecuting the case.
“An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove his guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood—a national initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Justice in May 2006—to address child sexual exploitation and abuse by coordinating resources across federal, state, and local agencies.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
