Felony Charges Filed in Washington County Involving Child Sexual Abuse Material
WASHINGTON COUNTY: Authorities in Washington County have filed a criminal complaint charging Ernest Bergdahl, a Newport resident, with seven felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to court filings, the alleged offenses occurred on or about August 27, 2024.
The formal complaint outlines seven identical felony counts against Bergdahl:
Counts I through VII: Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material via Computer Disk, Electronic, Magnetic, or Optical Image (Minn. Stat. § 617.247, subd. 4(a)).
Each count alleges that Bergdahl knowingly, or with reason to know its content and character, possessed digital media, electronic storage devices, or computer systems containing child sexual abuse material.
Under Minnesota law, each count carries a maximum penalty of up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine for a first offense. For a second or subsequent offense, the statutory maximum increases to 10 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine per count.
The case remains pending in Washington County District Court.
As with all criminal proceedings, a criminal complaint contains allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.