Duluth Ex-Coach Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material
A former collegiate coach has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison.
investigators discovered he was in possession of hundreds of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, some of whom were toddlers.
Lucas Matthew Kramer, 45, a former collegiate climbing coach, received a 78-month prison term followed by five years of supervised release.
He was also ordered to pay restitution to his victims and a $7,500 assessment under federal law to provide support for victims of child pornography.
The investigation began in September 2022 when federal authorities received a cybertip indicating that an individual using the Kik messaging application had uploaded multiple videos containing child sexual abuse material. The suspect continued to upload additional material days later. Investigators traced the activity to a Duluth address and identified the suspect through associated email and IP address records.
A search warrant was executed at his residence, where law enforcement found more than 600 images and videos of child sexual abuse stored on electronic devices. The content included graphic depictions of abuse involving prepubescent children. Investigators also uncovered evidence of sexually explicit online conversations with self-identified minors, in which the man encouraged them to produce and send nude photographs of themselves.
Following the search, the suspect admitted to downloading and sharing child sexual abuse content with others online. He pleaded guilty in October 2024 to one count of possession of child pornography.
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On March 19, 2025, United States District Judge Eric C. Tostrud sentenced the defendant in federal court. During sentencing, Judge Tostrud called the conduct “deeply troubling” and said the defendant’s behavior showed a “callous indifference” to the well-being of the victims.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Duluth Police Department. Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa praised the collaboration, stating, “The Duluth Police Department appreciates its partnership with Homeland Security Investigations in holding this offender accountable to the highest standards.”
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