Nathan Zachary Hansen

It is illegal to knowingly promote, sell, distribute, purchase, or exchange material depicting a minor engaged in sexual activity, or to possess such material with intent to distribute it. Aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor is a Class C felony punishable by 3-15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. This offense is more serious than simple possession because it involves distributing or promoting the material, and can be enhanced to a Class B felony based on prior convictions or the nature of the conduct.

Penalty: Class C felony; 3-15 years; fine up to $10,000

This offense makes it illegal for an adult (age 18 or older) to ask, request, or try to persuade a minor (under 18) through phone, text, email, or internet to engage in sexual acts like rape or sexual battery. A first conviction is punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and $2,500 in fines (Class A misdemeanor). If the victim is under 13, or if there are prior convictions, the charge increases to a Class E felony with 1-6 years in prison.

Penalty: Class A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500

Aggravated rape is forcing someone into sexual penetration while armed with a weapon, or causing bodily injury, or with help from other people using force—the most serious rape offense. This is charged when rape occurs with additional dangerous circumstances such as weapons, injuries to the victim, or multiple attackers. Conviction carries 15 to 60 years in prison and fines up to $50,000.

Penalty: Class A felony; 15-60 years; fine up to $50,000

It is illegal for an adult (age 18 or older) to use electronic communication, including video calls, to trick a minor into performing sexual acts or simulated sexual acts where the adult watches, or to perform sexual acts in front of a minor with the intent to arouse the minor or themselves, or to show sexual material to a minor for sexual purposes. A conviction is punishable by 1-6 years in prison and up to $3,000 in fines (Class E felony). If aggravating factors exist (such as repeat offenses or involving multiple minors), the sentence can increase to 8-30 years or more.

Penalty: Class E felony; 1-6 years; fine up to $3,000