Hastings Man Charged with Two Counts of Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material
Published: October 7th 2026.
HASTINGS MN - A 33-year-old Hastings resident is facing multiple felony charges in Dakota County following allegations of possessing child sexual abuse material.
According to a criminal complaint filed by local prosecutors, Preston Nicholas Galchutt has been charged with two felony counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material in violation of Minnesota Statute § 617.247.4(a).
The charges stem from separate alleged incidents occurring early this year in Dakota County:
Count I: Alleges that on or about January 28, 2026, Galchutt possessed child sexual abuse material on an electronic, magnetic, or optical storage device, knowing or having reason to know the nature and character of the content.
Count II: Alleges a second instance of possession occurring on or about February 5, 2026, under identical statutory provisions.
Each felony count carries a statutory maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and/or a fine ranging between $1,500 and $5,000.
As with all criminal proceedings, a complaint contains allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.