West Jordan man arrested on suspicion of sexual exploitation of a child

WEST JORDAN, Utah — A 32-year-old man from West Jordan, who is a registered sex offender, was arrested Thursday in relation to numerous counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a child, according to the West Jordan Police Department.

“Detectives received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Google about photographs being uploaded to an account with pictures of suspected child pornography. Data provided by Google indicated the subscriber accounts belonged to Mr. Petersen,” stated a release from WJPD Friday afternoon.

An investigation was opened, and detectives were able to confirm the images did in fact depict child pornography. Warrants were then obtained for Andrew Craig Petersen’s residence, various internet accounts, and his cell phone.

“Photographs located on Mr. Petersen’s cell phone and internet accounts matched those reported by NCMEC and Google,” the release stated.

One of the victims has since been identified as a 6-year-old girl from Millcreek, Utah. Police said investigators are working to identify numerous other victims, while the West Jordan Police Department works with state resources to ensure the girl receives the assistance she needs.

Petersen was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of aggravated sexual exploitation of a child and additional charges of sexual exploitation of a child.

“The aggravated charge is related to Mr. Petersen creating the child pornography,” the release stated.

Police encouraged anyone with children that may have been in contact with Petersen to reach out to them at 801-840-4000 and reference case number WJ22-29182.