by Milwaukee, Wisconsin — A former pediatric transplant surgeon in Wisconsin has been sentenced to six years in federal prison after admitting to distributing child sexual abuse material, bringing a high-profile criminal case involving a trusted medical professional to a close.
Federal prosecutors said Calvin Eriksen, 47, was sentenced to 72 months behind bars on January 29 by Brett H. Ludwig, according to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Wisconsin.
Federal Investigation Triggered by Multiple CyberTips
According to prosecutors, the investigation into Eriksen began after four separate CyberTip reports were submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The reports were linked to user accounts on the Kik that were involved in receiving and distributing child sexual abuse material.
Those tips led federal agents to search Eriksen’s home and workplace, where investigators discovered a large volume of illegal material involving young children.
Prosecutors said the material included images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers, underscoring the severity of the crimes.
Hundreds of Images and Videos Found
Court records cited by local media indicate that a warrant executed on Eriksen’s Kik account uncovered more than 350 graphic images and over 60 videos. Authorities described the content as among the most serious categories of illegal material handled by federal investigators.
In addition to possession and distribution, prosecutors said Eriksen engaged in online conversations that further escalated the case.
Undercover Communication Cited in Court
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eriksen communicated online with an undercover law enforcement agent who was posing as the mother of an 8-year-old child.
Federal prosecutors stated that Eriksen repeatedly expressed interest in sexually assaulting the child and sent a nude photo of himself during the exchange.
Those communications were cited as aggravating factors during sentencing.
Long-Term Supervision and Sex Offender Registration
After completing his six-year prison term, Eriksen will be placed on seven years of supervised release. As part of his sentence, he is also required to register as a sex offender under both state and federal law.
Prosecutors emphasized that the supervision period is intended to monitor behavior and protect the public, particularly children.
Hospital Suspended Surgeon Following Arrest
At the time of his arrest on July 15, 2025, Eriksen was employed at Froedtert Hospital and affiliated with the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Within days, hospital officials placed him on leave and suspended his ability to see patients.
“The doctor’s ability to see patients has been suspended while the investigation proceeds, and we are fully cooperating with law enforcement,” the hospital said in a statement at the time.
Guilty Plea Entered Last Fall
Federal prosecutors announced in August 2025 that Eriksen had been formally indicted on charges of distributing child sexual abuse material. Court records later showed that he pleaded guilty in October 2025, avoiding a trial.
Officials said the guilty plea spared victims from further trauma and ensured accountability.
Prosecutors Stress Zero Tolerance for Crimes Against Children
Following the sentencing, Brad Schimel emphasized the seriousness of the case and the broader mission of federal prosecutors.
“We have no higher priority in the criminal justice system than to protect children,” Schimel said. “This case demonstrates the troubling reality that people who prey on children can come from all walks of life.”
Case Highlights Trust and Accountability Issues
The case has drawn attention because of Eriksen’s former role as a children’s transplant surgeon, a position that required an exceptional level of trust from families and institutions.
Read Also: Indiana Man Found Guilty of Murder after Stabbing Wife 40 Times on Valentine’s Day
Law enforcement officials said the case serves as a reminder that professional status does not shield individuals from scrutiny, and that cybertip reporting systems play a critical role in identifying and stopping online exploitation.
Moving Forward
With sentencing complete, federal authorities say the case reflects ongoing efforts to identify offenders, disrupt online networks, and protect vulnerable victims.
Officials continue to urge the public and online platforms to report suspected exploitation, noting that CyberTips remain one of the most effective tools for uncovering crimes that might otherwise remain hidden.
What safeguards do you think are most important to prevent abuse in online spaces and hold offenders accountable? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
