By Shereen Siewert
A Wausau sex offender who spent 10 years in prison is back in custody after police discovered more than 3,900 sexually explicit images on his phone including photos and videos of toddlers being abused.
Paul Maki, 38, was convicted in 2009 in Marathon County Circuit Court on two counts of second degree sexual assault of a child, according to court records. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by 10 years extended supervision, and was released into the community in September 2018.
Now, Maki is facing new charges prompted by a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children cybertip. The tip from Google to the NCMEC was submitted in October 2019, 13 months after Maki’s release, and was the basis for a Wisconsin Department of Justice investigation that led investigators to Maki’s IP address.
An initial search of Maki’s Google accounts turned up nearly 170 images of suspected child pornography, according to court documents. After that discovery, Maki was taken into custody by probation and parole.
Then on July 22, using a warrant, investigators searched Maki’s phone, where they allegedly discovered 3,901 images of suspected child pornography.
Maki faces 11 counts of possessing child pornography, as a repeat offender. The charges were filed Aug. 11 in Marathon County Circuit Court.
Each charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 25 years in prison, plus up to six years due to the repeat offender modifier added to each count. In addition, because Maki was on extended release, he could be forced to serve an additional 10 years in prison as part of his 2009 sentence.
An initial appearance is slated for Tuesday afternoon. Maki remains behind bars.
