North Carolina Marine sentenced 40 years on child sex abuse charges

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WNCT) — A former U.S. Marine stationed in North Carolina was sentenced to 40 years in prison Thursday for child sexual abuse-related crimes, according to the Office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

On Sept. 12, 2024, federal prosecutors said 25-year-old Anthony Fritzinger of Middletown, N.J. was found guilty of:

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• Five counts of production of child sexual abuse material
• Four counts online exploitation of a minor
• Possession of child sexual abuse material
• Two counts of extortion

According to federal prosecutors, Fritzinger, who was stationed at Cherry Point Air Station, used teen dating websites to coerce and manipulate victims into sending him sexually explicit images and performing sadistic sexual punishments. He would then extort victims by threatening to send the images to their friends and family if they did not provide more.

Federal prosecutors said Fritzinger came under investigation by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service after he attempted to extort an 18-year-old woman by threatening to send nude images of her as a minor. The woman’s family notified police, who referred the case to the NCIS.

The NCIS found evidence revealing Fritizinger had been enticing minors to produce child pornography for years, with hundreds of images and videos of his victims being uncovered. Child pornography collected by Fritizinger was also found, according to federal prosecutors.

According to federal prosecutors, about two dozen victims were identified across several states. Several testified against Fritizinger in court.

“This defendant preyed on vulnerable children, manipulating and threatening them to produce explicit content for his own gratification,” acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar said in a statement. “This case should also serve as a strong reminder that the proliferation of social media has expanded the manner in which young people can be targeted by individuals like Fritzinger, who look to exploit them.  We will continue to do all we can to stand with survivors, protect children, and ensure their voices are heard as we pursue justice.”

Special Agent in Charge with NCIS Carolinas Field Office Kelly Parrish said in a statement, “This case represents the very worst kind of online exploitation, and it is only through the extraordinary courage of the victims and the relentless work of our special agents that justice was served. NCIS remains committed to uncovering hidden threats, safeguarding children from predatory abuse, and holding offenders accountable—no matter where they operate or how they hide.”