Steven John Sokel, Sexual Exploitation of Children, Minnesota 2022
A Blooming Prairie man has pleaded guilty to the international sexual exploitation of children, according to a U.S. Attorney's Office announcement.
Steven John Sokel, 61, admitted to engaging in the production of child pornography between April 2022 and September 2022.
Court documents reveal that Sokel was in possession of sexually explicit images and videos of minors, which is a serious violation of children's rights.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Campbell Warner is prosecuting the case, which is the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Sokel pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Judge Eric T. Tostrud to one count of sexual exploitation of children.
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date, and the exact date has not been announced.
The case highlights the need for continued vigilance in identifying and prosecuting individuals who engage in the exploitation of children.
Sokel's case serves as a stark reminder that child exploitation is a serious crime with severe consequences.
The U.S. Attorney's Office is committed to protecting the rights of children and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Key Facts
- State: Minnesota
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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