Judge hands down 27-year sentence in child porn case

by Lori Tipton
Friday, March 7, 2008

PALMER, Alaska -- A 46-year-old Willow man has been sentenced to 27 years in prison on multiple charges of sexual abuse, exploitation of a minor and child pornography.

Palmer Superior Court Judge Eric Smith said during the proceeding that he could only remember trying one case "this bad" during his tenure.

Judge Smith sentenced Mark Dunder Friday.

Dunder was initially charged with 16 felony counts in August 2006 but struck a plea deal with the state.

Alaska State Troopers found thousands of child porn images on his computer and some of those were photos of multiple underage girls.

During testimony, one of the victims and her mother begged the court to give Dunder the maximum sentence.

The victim's mother went on to say he should remain in jail "the longest time possible ... he will never again be able to look at and harm another child."

Judge Smith also ruled that once Dunder completes his sentence and is on probation he be prohibited from using any electronic devices that could be used to view or share child pornography.

Contact Lori Tipton at ltipton@ktuu.com