OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, MATTHEW RYAN STROBL, 34, of Edmond, pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On August 16, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a four-count Indictment against Strobl, charging him with attempted sexual exploitation of a child, attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, commission of a felony sex offense by an individual required to register as a sex offender, and distribution of child pornography. According to court documents, beginning March 20, 2023, Strobl began communicating with a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) undercover special agent (UCA), posing in an undercover capacity as a juvenile female. Court documents allege Strobl requested the UCA send him photos of a sexual nature on multiple occasions, despite knowing the UCA’s purported age of 14. Strobl also sent several child pornographic images and videos to the UCA.
As the conversation between the UCA and Strobl continued, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received numerous reports from Instagram of an account associated with Strobl transmitting digital files believed to depict child pornography. Court records further reflect that even after law enforcement seized Strobl’s cell phone on June 26, 2023, he continued messaging the UCA using another cell phone. The Indictment alleges these felony offenses took place, despite Strobl’s previous convictions for sexual battery and rape in the second degree in Oklahoma County District Court case numbers CF-2018-4518 and CF-2012-2113. These convictions required Strobl to register as a sex offender.
Today, Strobl pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography. As part of his plea, Strobl admitted to using a cell phone to distribute images that depict child pornography.
At sentencing, Strobl faces up to 40 years, and no less than 15 years in federal prison, and a fine of up to $250,000. He also faces a term of supervised release of up to life and registration as a sex offender. Strobl has been in federal custody since August 18, 2023.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Tornado Alley Child Exploitation Task Force, led by HSI, and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan Ganz and Brandon Hale are prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.