RIVERSIDE - (INT) - A convicted sex offender who is on parole for having unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor has been charged in federal court for allegedly distributing child pornography over the Internet.

Andrew Harrison Fowler, 25, of Murrieta, who was free on bail in a related case, was arrested by federal authorities Wednesday, and he is expected to make his initial appearance in federal court Thursday.

Fowler’s employer in Corona suspected he was accessing child pornography and contacted Fowler’s parole officer.

The investigation revealed that Fowler exchanged numerous images of child pornography with two other individuals and was actively soliciting sexual encounters on Craigslist.

Investigators also discovered Fowler used aliases to disguise his true identity and avoid detection of his online activities by his parole agent.

If Fowler is convicted, he would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years.

Story Date: May 29, 2015