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Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Utah judge's sentence on child pornography offender sparks controversy, the court's response
Report child sexual assault material to law enforcement by contacting the ICAC Tip Line at (801) 281-1211 or your local law enforcement agency. SALT LAKE CITY, Utah () — A judge's decision on the sentencing of a 22-year-old man convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor has stirred up discussion among lawmakers that resulted in a statement from the Utah State Courts. Adian Hoffman, 22, from Maine, was found guilty of two second-degree felony charges of sexual exploitation of a minor. He was initially charged with 10 first-degree felony counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor. The 22-year-old was accused of possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and distributing it while house-sitting for a relative in Moab. Officers found more than 300 images of CSAM on his devices, according to documents. Man arrested after neighbor allegedly finds sexual videos of minor on his GoPro Hoffman was sentenced to 1 to 15 years in prison for each charge, but that sentence was suspended for probation. He received 112 days in jail and 48 months of probation on May 20, 2025, by Seventh District Judge Don M. Torgerson. There were also conditions ordered on his parole, such as no internet access without approval from the Department of Adult Probation and Parole (AP&P), maintaining a full-time job, and completing a cognitive-behavioral course, among other conditions. On May 24, 2025, Mike Schultz-R, Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives, and about the sentencing of Hoffman. He even called for Judge Torgerson to resign. This is deeply troubling and indicative of a broader pattern within the judiciary. Such decisions not only fail to deliver justice for victims — in this case, children — but also erode public confidence in the legal system. Judge Torgerson's comments and decision are a failure of justice, and cannot be ignored. He must resign. He should not be able to continue sitting on the bench and serving the people of this great state. Speaker Mike Schultz on Instagram Several days after Schultz's post, the Utah Republican Party also responded to the sentencing decision made on May 20. On May 27, 2025, the Utah GOP shared a screenshot of Schultz's , 'Speaker Schultz is exactly right. Justice must protect children, and that requires holding those who harm them fully accountable. Judge Torgerson's decision is a clear miscarriage of justice. He should resign.' Sex offender arrested for attempting to meet child in Lehi, documents say In a statement by the Utah State Courts on May 28, they clarified that quotes from the sentencing 'omitted several relevant and important facts' and were 'without context and should not be the sole basis for any conclusion.' The State expressly agreed in its written plea agreement that the Defendant would receive probation, rather than a prison sentence. Additionally, the sentence imposed by Judge Torgerson was squarely aligned with the 2025 Adult Sentencing, Release, & Supervision Guidelines promulgated by the Utah Sentencing Commission and unanimously approved by the Utah Legislature during the 2025 General Session. Adult Probation and Parole's probation recommendation was also aligned with the Adult Sentencing, Release, & Supervision Guidelines Part of the Utah State Courts' statement on Hoffman's sentencing A link to the full sentencing video was provided for the public. Those who are interested can watch Hoffman's sentencing in full on the . 'The Judiciary is committed to transparency and encourages anyone who has questions about the sentence to listen to the entire audio recording of the sentencing hearing,' the Utah State Courts concluded in their statement. Man arrested for allegedly using cryptocurrency to purchase child sex abuse material, first arrest of its kind in Utah This section will contain quotes and a full explanation of everything that happened during the sentencing hearing. As aforementioned, those who are interested can view the full sentencing on the . Two evidence files that were sent from Kik — the app where Hoffman distributed CSAM — to law enforcement were shown to Judge Torgerson at the request of the prosecution. This defense said they would leave it to the court's discretion and would not block the viewing of the files. Judge Torgerson reviewed the files and stated that they depicted 'obvious prepubescent children engaging in sexual activity.' He asked the Grand County Attorney, Stephen J. Stocks, to give his sentencing recommendation. 'This is where this whole case starts off, we look at the [pre-sentence investigation] and there is a substantial amount of images, a hundred images, and although the defendant didn't plead to all of those, that was what was found,' Stocks stated. Man charged with alleged sexual abuse of human trafficking victim in Duchesne County Stocks told the judge that Hoffman downplayed his involvement in downloading and distributing the CSAM. Hoffman allegedly claimed to be ill and that his sickness led to his developing a CSAM addiction. According to Stocks, among the images were children from the ages of 3 to 15, and he described them as 'horrendous.' The state requested prison, and Stocks stated that jail time would not be sufficient. He said that although Hoffman was seeking treatment now, his desire and intention created a demand for more CSAM to be made. 'I think the light amount of jail doesn't really take into consideration the severity of this case. I think there are aggravating factors, such as the distribution. Now, I know he's engaged in treatment… but this type of behavior and this type of charge demands, in the interest of justice for the children, that he be incarcerated in the Utah State Prison,' Stocks concluded. Tara Isaacson, the defense attorney for Hoffman, then provided her recommendation. She started by stating that Hoffman is only 22 years old, and was 20 when he committed the offense. Isaacson said that those who are under 21 when committing these types of offenses usually receive a lighter sentence due to their age. Hoffman completed a psychosexual evaluation and has been involved in 'intense' sex offender therapy while the case was being processed, according to Isaacson. She also stated that since his release, he has been engaged in the community, found a job, and entered an age-appropriate relationship, all things that she claims have prevented him from reoffending. Red Rock Canyon School faces lawsuit over employee's alleged sexual misconduct 'This is not a family, or a defendant, who has downplayed or minimized the seriousness of this. We recognize that these images are terrible, and that this pornography is terrible and these images are awful, but this is someone who has absolutely not attempted to minimize… in every single category, he was in the low range, I rarely ever see that,' Isaacson told the court. Isaacson stated that Hoffman acknowledged what he did was wrong during therapy and did not try to 'minimize' the crime that he had committed. She stated that Hoffman would not be receiving a light sentence as he was working hard to turn his life around after being jailed at age 20. 'I think this is a situation where Aidan has demonstrated, over the last months he's been out, that he can follow the rules, he can comply, he's engaged and motivated in treatment and he's not given up. Instead, he's really kicked into overdrive to try to be productive and to contribute to society,' Isaacson said. In AP&P's review of the sentencing recommendation from the defense, Isaacson said they did not find the aggravating circumstances mentioned by the prosecution and recommended the jail sentence. She asked for an appropriate jail sentence for Hoffman's actions based on this recommendation. McDonald's employee charged for alleged sexual relationship with 16-year-old coworker Hoffman then addressed Judge Torgerson to share his statement before sentencing. 'Since I was released, I've been engaged in intensive treatment. In that treatment, I've worked on being accountable for what I've done, and also I've learned about the abuse perpetuated through the viewing and sharing of child pornography and just how awful that abuse is,' Hoffman stated. He shared that he felt guilty about the images and videos he viewed and regretted the impact it had on those child victims. Hoffman said that he was working hard to build a new life in Utah and completing therapy while complying with all restrictions of probation. He intends to start college in the fall if AP&P allows. 'I'm grateful, to some extent, that law enforcement intervened, because I needed help for something real. And it's something that's not — it's not something you can talk about with people, you can't bring it up to your parents, you can't find help normally in society, and unfortunately, I had to confront this problem in the worst way possible,' Hoffman said. Hoffman concluded by saying there was no justification for what he did, but he was committed to being better, and he was willing to do 'whatever the court sees fit.' 'I've done defense work, I've seen worse. That's not to minimize at all, Mr. Hoffman, what has happened here. You didn't perpetrate those two videos that I saw… what you did was pour all that gasoline on all those fires, because by viewing and sharing those images, you were stoking a problem that just seems to grow,' Judge Torgerson stated. U.S. Army Sgt. charged with 30 felonies for alleged online sexual relationship with 15-year-old Judge Torgerson stated that it was a large problem in Utah, and that he's seen it among young adults with access to social media and phones, and that he's also seen it in older adults who don't have that same access. 'Mr. Stocks' position on this, I think, is well-founded, to say that there's really zero tolerance from his perspective as the county attorney for this kind of behavior. The reality is a little different, and I think the [pre-sentence investigation] takes that into consideration in its recommendation,' Judge Torgerson continued. He clarified that the pre-sentence investigation's recommendation is created through reviewing similar cases and comparing how those sentencings were handled. 'I can't send everybody to prison who views child pornography. There aren't enough prisons. There aren't enough prisons for people who are severe, extreme viewers of child pornography, like you,' he said. 'I think it's like alcoholism, and you may not, but the compulsion to view child pornography, scientists will say, may or may not be an addiction.' Judge Torgerson stated that he didn't believe Hoffman's addiction began with CSAM, but rather adult pornography, and that Hoffman had escalated that addiction. He said that Hoffman was not yet a 75-year-old 'Mormon bishop' who is perpetrating on children and grandchildren, and hopes that he will never become that. Utah National Guardsman arrested on suspicion of child sex abuse The judge told Hoffman that he was young, he had too much time on his hands, and that he had shown an improvement from who he was when he was 20. Judge Torgerson stated that this was going to be a life-long process, and Hoffman needed to prevent this compulsion and addiction from returning. 'Children get raped because of men like you, who encourage that kind of perpetrating,' he stated. 'I truly do hope what your therapist says is true about you and the work that you've done.' Judge Torgerson followed AP&P's recommendation and sentenced him to 1 to 15 years in prison, the standard sentence for that felony charge. He then suspended the sentences and placed Hoffman on probation, and gave him credit for time served in jail. 'Does that mean I'm going easy on you here? I don't know. I don't want you to engage in this kind of activity, obviously. You don't want to, I trust. Your parents don't want you to do that… if you violate the terms of your probation, I won't hesitate to send you to prison,' Judge Torgerson stated. He concluded by reminding Hoffman that this was an opportunity to correct his behaviors and make a difference, but the right to that opportunity could be taken away. Judge Torgerson said he would not hesitate to give the maximum sentence if he saw Hoffman in his courtroom again. Federal trade court blocks Trump from imposing sweeping tariffs under emergency powers law Low water levels lead to increased fishing limits at Crouse Reservoir Lt. Gov. Henderson gets more death threats over Primary signature gathering issues — How will they be handled? Utah judge's sentence on child pornography offender sparks controversy, the court's response 'New milestones:' Seismic upgrade almost complete at Salt Lake City temple, renovations ongoing Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
7NEWS
3 days ago
- 7NEWS
Shoppers rush to buy best-selling Ring security camera while its on sale at Amazon Australia
A deal this good on a brand new security device from one of the most trusted names in smart home tech doesn't come around often. The Ring Outdoor Camera Plus Battery is currently slashed to just $119 on Amazon Australia, down from $179, a rare 34 per cent discount on a just-released model. Ring has built a loyal fan base for a reason. Known for user-friendly devices that deliver crisp video and clever features, it's become a go-to for Aussies wanting simple, reliable home security. And this latest launch ticks all the boxes, plus a few extras. The Outdoor Camera Plus is battery-powered, compact, and packed with upgraded tech. I've been testing it indoors in my apartment, and the flexibility is a huge win. Because it runs on a removable Quick Release Battery Pack, I can move it around wherever I need extra coverage. Sometimes it's by the front door for deliveries, other times it's watching over my living room while I'm away. Setup takes minutes, no tools required. You'll get 2K wide-angle video, rich in colour and detail, even in low light, thanks to Ring's Low-Light Sight. It uses nearby street lighting to give you full-colour video at night without needing floodlights. That alone makes it a standout. The camera also works with Alexa-enabled devices like the Echo Show, so you can say, 'Alexa, show me the back garden,' and check in without lifting a finger. And with Live View and two-way talk, you can see, hear and speak to anyone on camera, great for deterring strangers or chatting with couriers. While the included battery works well, those wanting a more permanent setup can upgrade to the solar panel version or the plug-in model. It's also compatible with the Ring Home Plan (sold separately), which gives you up to 180 days of video history and smart notifications. Every part of the camera has been carefully engineered, from the anti-reflective glass that performs well in sunlight to Ring's Clarity Engine, which ensures what you see on your phone is sharp and accurate in real time.
Washington Post
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Venezuela's Maduro releases U.S. Air Force veteran from detention
Venezuela's autocratic president, Nicolás Maduro, released a U.S. Air Force veteran who had been imprisoned in Venezuela for about six months, his family confirmed in a statement on Tuesday. Richard Grenell, the Trump administration's presidential envoy for special missions, facilitated the release, which took place in Antigua, according to a person with knowledge of the trip, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss details of the release.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Forge Resources Announces Resignation of Non-Executive Director and Flow-Through Private Placement
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 16, 2025) - Forge Resources Corp. (CSE: FRG) (OTCQB: FRGGF) (FSE: 5YZ) ("FRG" or the "Company) announces the resignation of director and a non-brokered flow-through private placement (the "Private Placement") of flow-through units ("Units"). Private Placement The Private Placement will be comprised of up to 1,162,790 Units at a price of $0.86 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to approximately $1,000,000, with each Unit consisting of one flow-through common share (each a "Share") and one-half of one transferable non-flow-through share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will enable the holder to acquire an additional non-flow-through common share of the Company ("Warrant Share") at a price of $1.30 per Warrant Share for a period of two years from the date of issuance (the "Warrant Expiry Date"). The Warrants are subject to an acceleration clause, in the event that the trading price of the Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") reaches $1.80 or more for a period of fifteen consecutive trading days, the Company may, at its option, accelerate the Warrant Expiry Date by delivering notice to the holders of such Warrants thereof by issuing a press release (the "Warrant Acceleration Press Release"), and, in such case the Warrant Expiry Date shall be deemed to be 5:00 p.m. (Vancouver Time) on the 30th day following the date of the issuance of the Warrant Acceleration Press Release. The gross proceeds from the Units will be utilized for incurring Canadian exploration expenses and flow-through mining expenditures at the Alotta Project, Yukon. Finders' fees may be payable in connection with the Private Placement, subject to and in accordance with the policies of the CSE. Resignation of Director The Company announces the resignation of Greg Bronson from its Board of Directors. Following a recent move abroad and his decision to focus on easing into retirement, Mr. Bronson has stepped down from his role. Management would like to thank Mr. Bronson for his valuable contributions to the Company and wishes him well in his future endeavors. Subsequently, Mr. Bronson will not be standing for re-election in the upcoming annual general meeting of the Company scheduled for June 26, 2025. About Forge Resources Corp. Forge Resources Corp. is a Canadian-listed junior exploration company. The Company holds a 60% interest with a with a formalized agreement in place to acquire up to 80%, in Aion Mining Corp., a company that is developing the fully permitted La Estrella coal project in Santander, Colombia. La Estrella contains eight known seams of metallurgical and thermal coal. The Company also holds an option on the Alotta project, a prospective porphyry copper-gold-molybdenum project located 50 km south-east of the Casino porphyry deposit in the unglaciated portion of the Dawson Range porphyry/epithermal belt in the Yukon Territory of Canada. On behalf of the Board of Directors"PJ Murphy", CEO Forge Resources Forward Looking StatementsCertain of the statements made and information contained herein may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information concerning the Aion Acquisition. Forward-looking information is based on the views, opinions, intentions and estimates of management at the date the information is made, and is based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated or projected in the forward-looking information (including the actions of other parties who have agreed to do certain things and the approval of certain regulatory bodies). Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of the Company and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. In particular, there can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as described or at all. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws, or to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of the Company, its financial or operating results or its securities. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. We seek safe harbor. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release publication, distribution or dissemination directly, or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States. To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Naruto's most powerful secret: How Yin-Yang release transformed the ninja world
This nebulous strength that played a part in creating the Tailed Beasts, sealing gods, and making Naruto a literal legend. So… what is Yin-Yang Release, anyway Whether or not you're well-versed in Naruto lore, you've at least heard of superhuman abilities, magical chakra, and secret clans. Another, even rarer and more powerful ability — Yin-Yang Release — tends to get overlooked despite being one of the greatest powers in the entire series. It's not about being anti-fire or anti-lightning. It's not about operating in the margins, it's about bending reality—actually bending reality. It was this ability that created the Tailed Beasts, healed poisonous injuries that would've been life-threatening, and sealed away cosmic-level threats to shinobi existence. Only a handful of characters – Naruto Uzumaki, Madara Uchiha, and the Sage of Six Paths – have ever tapped into its power. Here's a brief rundown on how this genie-wish-alien power irrevocably altered the Naruto-verse for better or worse. Here is a primer on the Yin-Yang release As depicted in the Naruto universe, the majority of jutsu originate from the five basic nature elements — Fire, Water, Wind, Earth and Lightning. Yin and Yang Release are unique. They're not focused on nature, on chakra's most primitive state. Yin Release : Manipulates spiritual energy. Of creation, of hope and vision, of imagination, mental labor, and artistic expression. Yang Release, Passive: Channel your physical energy. As a living force of energy, it powers development, advancement, and the people. When fused together, they create Yin-Yang Release, a jutsu so high-level it can perform the following: Bring something new into the world Allow charter schools to fester like ninjutsu Cancel all ninjutsu Prevent fatal injuries from happening or from being healed Catch god-tier foes in Poké Balls Yin-Yang Release operates beyond the laws. It manipulates chakra at its core, making it arguably the most rare and powerful. Yet who has been shown to use the yin-yang release Yin-Yang Release isn't a technique any ol' ninja can pick up. It's never been unleashed outside of people blessed with divine chakra, ancient bloodlines, or god-tier training. Familiar faces include: Hagoromo Otsutsuki (Sage of Six Paths) Hamura Otsutsuki (younger twin/brother) Kaguya Otsutsuki (their mother) Asura Otsutsuki (Hagoromo's son) Madara Uchiha (as the Ten Tails jinchuriki) Obito Uchiha (also as Ten Tails jinchuriki form) Naruto Uzumaki (after being infused with Six Paths chakra) These characters are more than powerful. They're mythic, creating the destiny of the world. Most either had direct ties to the Otsutsuki clan or were transformed into hosts of the Ten Tails, endowing them the absurd chakra necessary to execute these jutsu. How Naruto used Yin-Yang release After Hagoromo gave Naruto some of his chakra as a gift during the Fourth Great Ninja War, Naruto gained access to Six Paths Sage Mode — which granted him the ability to use Yin-Yang Release. Many of Naruto's most touching, powerful, or dramatic moments were built on this foundation. He healed Kakashi's eye beyond the ability of any medical ninjutsu! He didn't actually do all that much to help Lee, but he did save Might Guy from dying after Guy opened the Eighth Gate. He took on god-like beings such as Madara and Kaguya with his enhanced abilities and Truth-Seeking Devices. His mastery of Yin-Yang Release revealed that he wasn't simply the most powerful ninja that ever lived — he had literally inherited the will and power of the Sage of Six Paths himself. Legendary techniques born from Yin-Yang release 1. Truth-Seeking Balls explained, Chibaku Tensei jutsu, Creation of All Things technique Develop questions for your Tailed Beasts Use by Hagoromo to create the Nine Tailed Beasts from the chakra of the Ten Tails Tonic Yin (mental creation) and Yang (life force) to provide shape and awareness to each creature 2 . Truth-Seeking Balls Black chakra orbs used by Madara, Obito, and Naruto Have all five core nature elements + Yin-Yang Release Can erase anything they touch and nullify all jutsu, even reanimation techniques like Edo Tensei 3. Six Paths — Chibaku Tensei A tachi yaiba Divine Sealing Jutsu, utilizing Yin-Yang Release. Originally used by Hagoromo and Hamura to seal their mother, Kaguya, into the moon Later also employed by Naruto and Sasuke to ensnare her in another dimension These techniques aren't just powerful — they're cosmic in scale, capable of ending conflicts, bringing about new life, or trapping deities. Yin-Yang release is the origin of all techniques So even the most rudimentary jutsu in Naruto are a complex creation drawn from the combination of spiritual and physical energy. This, in turn, means that Yin-Yang Release is the literal foundation of the whole shinobi world. To truly conquer it, is the task of only the most powerful shinobi. It takes all of this working together to make a change, it all starts with leadership. Chakra, almost without limit Complete control of mind and body A profound grasp of the cycle of work, play, spirituality, existence, craftsmanship and annihilation. For Naruto, it wasn't just strength that mattered. Through these feats, he healed the world's wounds, sculpted the mountains, and spread life across the land, teaching that balance, not brute strength, is the secret to true power. Final thoughts: Why Yin-Yang release matters in Naruto Yin-Yang Release is one of the most important powers in Naruto, even if it's rarely discussed. It shaped the story from the shadows, from the moment the Tailed Beasts were created to the final sealing of Kaguya. It connects Naruto to the ancient roots of chakra, and proves that the strongest power isn't always about destruction — sometimes it's about creation, protection, and healing. And in the hands of Naruto Uzumaki, it helped save the entire world. 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