Derrick Stephen Walker, Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, North Dakota 2022

Bismarck, North Dakota – A federal jury has found Derrick Stephen Walker, age 46 of Minot, North Dakota, guilty of six counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of receipt of images depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.

The jury found Walker guilty of aiding and abetting his co-defendant, Katie Heidinger of Velva, North Dakota, in the production of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of six separate minor victims, identified as "Jane Doe One" and "Jane Doe Two", both age one, and "Jane Doe Three", age six, along with "John Doe One", "John Doe Two", and "John Doe Three", all ages one, two, and three, respectively.

Walker was specifically found guilty of receiving images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, which were produced and distributed by Heidinger using the internet at Walker’s request.

Katie Heidinger, Walker’s co-defendant, entered a change of plea to guilty to counts one through six on June 16, 2020, and is currently scheduled for sentencing on March 16, 2022.

"The actions of these defendants are revolting. The harm they’ve caused their victims is devastating and can last a lifetime," said acting Special Agent in Charge Jamie Holt of HSI St. Paul.

This case was investigated by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, Ward County Sheriff’s Office, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, North Dakota Human Trafficking Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations, and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s office, with Assistant United States Attorney Gary Delorme assigned to the case.

Walker’s sentencing date has not been set. Derrick Stephen Walker, 46, of Minot, North Dakota, found guilty of six counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of receipt of images depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.

"HSI is proud of the work we’ve accomplished with our state and local law enforcement partners, and we remain committed to our joint efforts in bringing these criminals to justice," said acting Special Agent in Charge Jamie Holt of HSI St. Paul.

The case highlights the devastating impact of child exploitation and the importance of continued efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.

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