U.S. federal prosecutors are seeking more than eight years in prison for a Saskatchewan man who pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing violent child sexual abuse material involving toddlers and young boys.
Matthew Norman Ballek, a Canadian national from Outlook, Sask., was working in Washington, D.C., as a financial risk specialist for the World Bank when he was arrested in February. Prosecutors allege he used encrypted platforms to share graphic videos with an undercover FBI agent and admitted to previously engaging in the sexual abuse of a toddler.
In court documents, prosecutors detailed Ballek’s online interactions with the agent, during which he allegedly sent three disturbing videos via Telegram and expressed interest in abusing children abroad. A search of his apartment uncovered a phone containing 10 additional videos and 21 images depicting similar abuse.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia has recommended a 97-month sentence — just over eight years — followed by 10 years of supervised release. Prosecutors also cited Supreme Court rulings that emphasize the long-term trauma experienced by victims of child sexual exploitation.
Court documents say Ballek confessed to having a long-standing sexual interest in children and admitted to past abuse. He also allegedly asked the undercover officer about “sharing” a fictitious eight-year-old girl and implied he had previously offended abroad.
As part of the case, prosecutors are also seeking court-ordered restitution for several victims. The proposed restitution includes $5,000 each to three victims depicted in specific child abuse series circulated by Ballek. The compensation is intended to support the victims’ recovery and provide resources through trust accounts or designated victim support services.
Ballek accepted a plea deal in October 2024. His defence team has not yet filed a sentencing memorandum. U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton will determine the sentence at a forthcoming hearing, where restitution under the Amy, Vicky and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act may also be considered.