MINOT, N.D. — A 20-year-old Minot man is facing four felony charges following an investigation into the alleged exchange of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through online messaging platforms.
Skylar Tollefson-Bower was arrested after investigators traced an online report involving suspected child exploitation material to an internet connection in Minot, North Dakota.
The investigation began in March 2026 when the messaging platform Discord submitted a report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The report identified suspected CSAM uploaded from an IP address associated with Minot.
Authorities subsequently traced the internet activity to Tollefson-Bower.
Investigation Uncovers Alleged Communications With Minors
According to a criminal affidavit, investigators discovered evidence suggesting Tollefson-Bower had repeatedly solicited minors over approximately two years.
Earlier in October, law enforcement obtained a search warrant and seized his cellphone as part of the investigation.
Court documents reportedly indicate that Tollefson-Bower acknowledged exchanging child sexual abuse material and engaging in sexual communications with minors through his phone.
Investigators also identified two instances in which suspected CSAM was exchanged through Session, an encrypted messaging application.
Suspect Remains in Custody
Tollefson-Bower faces four felony counts, although the specific statutory charges were not detailed in the available report.
He remained in custody as of October 12, 2026, and his next court appearance is scheduled for November 19, 2026.
The investigation highlights the role online platforms and reports submitted to NCMEC can play in identifying suspected child exploitation activity.
Tollefson-Bower is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
