Minnesota foster care provider accused of sexual abuse and child pornography
07/13/2022 11:52 am PDT
CARLTON, Minn. (TCD) -- A 28-year-old foster care provider stands accused of child sexual abuse and pornography.
According to the Duluth News Tribune, an investigation into Stephan Hansen began in March after the St. Paul Police Department learned about an alleged pornographic picture of a minor in a bathroom stall. Authorities reportedly obtained a search warrant for Hansen's phone.
Upon further investigation, authorities discovered that Hansen was reportedly in possession of 99 photos and eight videos of pornographic content with minors. Officers allegedly discovered pornographic photos and videos on Hansen's phone that contained multiple children, and police identified the juveniles depicted in the images and videos as well as the location.
According to the Duluth News Tribune, Hansen eventually admitted to the sexual abuse and producing the pornographic media, and it is believed he abused at least five juvenile victims between three to seven years.
Hansen is a foster care provider through Fond du Lac Foster Care Licensing and Placement Agency, WDIO-TV reports. The agency has reportedly requested a suspension on Hansen's foster license. The juvenile victims identified by authorities were allegedly not foster children, nor were they present in the home at the time of Hansen's arrest.
Hansen was arrested July 6 and booked into the Carlton County Jail on multiple charges, including second-degree criminal sexual conduct, possession of child pornography, and felony use of a minor in sexual performance or pornographic work, records show. He remains held on $500,000 bail.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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