Peshtigo man sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexually exploiting a minor

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WBAY) – A Peshtigo man charged with sexual exploitation of a minor was sentenced Friday.

Zachary Zastawniak, 24, of Peshtigo was sentenced to 25 years in a federal prison after he pleaded guilty to intentionally persuading a minor to send him a sexually explicit video in May, according to court records.

As part of the plea agreement and at sentencing, Zastawniak admitted that he abused several minors in northeastern Wisconsin and attempted to coerce them into sexual activity through various social media applications.

In handing down the sentence on Friday, U.S. District Judge William C. Griesbach said Zastawniak made “bad decisions” and called his behavior “monstrous.” He described the case as “horribly aggravated.” Judge Griesbach also praised the courage and bravery of the victims, many of whom spoke at the sentencing.

In addition to the 25 years in federal prison, Zastawniak will spend 25 years on probation.

According to court records, Zastawniak faces 26 counts in a 2023 Oconto County case. He is accused of numerous crimes related to the sexual exploitation of minors, including 8 counts of possession of child pornography, 3 counts of sexual solicitation of children, 3 counts of second-degree sexual assault of a child and 2 counts of solicitation of a child for prostitution. His next court date is a preliminary hearing scheduled for Sept. 30.

PREVIOUS: A 23-year-old Peshtigo man has been charged with two counts of sexual exploitation or attempted sexual exploitation of two minors, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced.

Zachary Zastawniak, 23, was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 23. According to the indictment, Zastawniak knowingly employed, used, persuaded and coerced two minors to obtain nude photographs from them.

If convicted, Zastawniak faces 15 years in prison for each count and a maximum fine of $250,000 per count.

This case was investigated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, North Fond du Lac Police Department, Oconto Falls Police Department, Oconto Police Department, Oconto County Sheriff's Office, and Kingsford, Michigan Department of Public Safety. Prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel R. Humble.

Action 2 News had previously reported on Zastawniak before the case went to federal court.

All rights reserved.