Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) — Alexander Mark Rife, 35, of Menahga, is facing two felony charges in Beltrami County District Court.
According to a criminal complaint, Rife is charged with disseminating child sexual abuse material. He is also charged with possessing pornographic work involving a minor under the age of 14.
The charges were filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District. The court file number is 04-CR-26-1019.
Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Each charge also carries a possible $20,000 fine.
CyberTip Led To Investigation
The complaint says the case began after a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Investigators said the tip involved an Instagram account using the name “retroseeker.”
Instagram reported that the account uploaded suspected child sexual abuse material in June 2025. Account data, phone records, and internet records were later reviewed.
Investigators said those records were linked to Rife. Court documents say the internet service information was tied to a Bemidji apartment.
Search Warrant Executed
According to the complaint, a search warrant was obtained in February 2026. Investigators searched Rife’s residence and electronic devices.
Court documents say Rife spoke with investigators after being advised of his rights. He allegedly confirmed he used the Instagram account named in the report.
The complaint says several devices were seized. Those items included phones, a Chromebook, an external drive, and a gaming computer.
Investigators later searched data from an Apple iPhone. The complaint says the search focused on files from June 15, 2025, through January 1, 2026.
According to court documents, investigators found numerous files they described as child sexual abuse material. The complaint says the files were saved as evidence.
Case Remains Pending
Rife is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The charges are allegations at this stage.
More information on Minnesota court access is available through Minnesota Court Records. Details on Minnesota Statute 617.247 are available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
Reports involving online child exploitation can be made through the NCMEC CyberTipline.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.