Chris Hamburg, Sex Trafficking of a Minor, Idaho 2024

BOISE, Idaho - Chris Hamburg, 63, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for transporting a child across state lines with the intent to sexually abuse the child.

Hamburg was sentenced to the maximum sentence of 240 months in federal prison, as announced by U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. The victim appeared in court and gave a victim impact statement, stating, "You stole every bit of peace and contentment, from my childhood...from my entire life. My struggles continue, daily," to Hamburg.

According to court records, Hamburg began dating the victim's mother in approximately 1990 and moved into the family's Washington residence. Shortly thereafter, he began sexually abusing the victim, who was approximately eight or nine years old at the time. Hamburg impregnated the victim when she was 11 years old and continued to sexually abuse her until she was in her early twenties.

Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also sentenced Hamburg to three years of supervised release. Hamburg will be required to register as a sex offender as a result of the conviction.

"In this case, the defendant raped and sexually abused a child for over a decade. What he did to the victim is inhuman," said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. "The strength that the victim showed in reporting this abuse, however, shows the amazing resiliency of the human spirit. I hope that the sentence in this case provides some solace to her and her family."

Hamburg's crimes were reported to the FBI in 2021, and a federal warrant was obtained to collect his DNA. Paternity testing confirmed that Hamburg fathered the victim's children.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Faces of Hope is a triage and support center for victims and offers services to those affected by sexual abuse. Individuals can report crimes and seek services by calling (208) 577-4400 or visiting facesofhopevictimcenter.org.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-id/pr/man-sentenced-20-years-federal-prison-sexually-abusing-child