WASHBURN COUNTY — A months-long investigation into suspected online child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) has led to multiple felony charges against a Washburn County man after authorities traced illicit files to a Sarona, WI, area account.
According to a criminal complaint, agents with the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation began their probe after a CyberTip flagged by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) identified the upload of suspected child pornography.
The investigation led to the arrest of Michael Peterson on March 31, 2026, and a felony complaint was subsequently filed on April 23, 2026.
On April 1, Washburn County issued a press release stating that an employee had been arrested on charges of child pornography, but did not name the employee. DrydenWire later confirmed that the employee was Peterson, who had worked as the Forestry Administrator. The Washburn County Board Chair confirmed to DrydenWire on April 23rd that Peterson was no longer employed by the county, stating that he had retired.
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Last Update: Apr 27, 2026 11:20 am CDT
