Steven Wester (Manitowoc Co. Jail)
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Steven Wester pleaded not guilty Thursday to child pornography possession charges.
Wester, 47, also waived a preliminary hearing on 10 counts of possession of child pornography. No trial date was set. A scheduling conference will be held June 10, court records show.
On Dec. 11, police served a search warrant in the 1300 block of Kellner Street. The search warrant was based on a tip from the Wisconsin Department of Justice that an individual at that location was in possession of child sexual abuse materials.
The tip received was that a suspect had uploaded an image to an internet search engine attempting to search for similar type images. The file was reviewed by investigators and confirmed to be an image containing child sexual abuse material.
During the search warrant, numerous electronic devices had been seized. Subsequent forensic analysis has located a large number of similar themed images and videos of child sexual abuse material in the approximate 12-14 age range.
Because of Wester’s involvement with area youth sports, police said they are looking to identify any other potential victims.
Police also say Wester has also previously been investigated for similar concerning behavior.
If you are or are aware of any other potential victims, call Manitowoc Police Department Detective Jason Denk at (920) 686-6557, the Manitowoc Police Department Shift Commander’s Office at (920) 686-6551. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (920) 683-4466 or the P3 smartphone app. Tipsters may remain anonymous if they choose.
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