Latest news with #Torgerson
Yahoo
5 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. 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Winnipeg Free Press
16-05-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Sponsored Content Leaving a Legacy is a Slam Dunk
Glen Torgerson, member of the Bannatyne Legacy Circle- a community of HSC Foundation legacy donors. An inductee of the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame, Glen Torgerson's retirement began with surgery to treat his recurring pancreatitis. Performed by Dr. Jeremy Lipschitz at Health Sciences Centre, the January 2000 surgery had an immediate impact. 'I knew the instant I woke up that something was different,' says Torgerson. 'I felt better right away.' In 2002, when this basketball legend re-wrote his will, the decision to leave a bequest to the Health Sciences Centre Foundation was a slam dunk. He believes that it is important to make a difference in the community through legacy giving. Torgerson's inclusion of the HSC Foundation in his will is an expression of his gratitude for the treatment and care he received at HSC, and a recognition of the hospital's importance to all Manitobans. 'Health Sciences Centre is our major health care facility,' he says. 'If you live here and you haven't been touched by HSC in some way, that would be unusual.' Leaving a gift to the HSC Foundation in your will is a powerful way to enhance the well-being of Manitobans. To learn more about your legacy giving options at the HSC Foundation and the Bannatyne Legacy Circle, contact Irma McKenzie, Director of Gift Planning, at 204-515-5624, or by email at imckenzie@
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Vernon County honors fallen officers in special ceremony
VIROQUA, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – Several police departments gathered at the Vernon County Sheriff's Office to attend the annual Vernon County Police Memorial Service. Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson says it's important to recognize officers who have given their lives in the line of duty, here in Vernon County and across the country. 'They gave their lives serving our communities, keeping us safe, serving, protecting. The very least we can do is say thank you for your service. Especially to those that were unable to come home to their loved ones,' says Sheriff Torgerson. Retired chief of police Christian Malanka spent over 20 years with the Austin, Texas Police Department. In that time, he saw eight officers lose their lives in the line of duty. He says no matter how big or small the department, every officer is very close. 'Some were murdered. Some died in pursuits or responding to emergencies. Although Austin, Texas at the time had between 1,200 and 1,400 officers, I knew every one of those officers. It reenforces the fact that we are an extended family, and we feel a great deal of pain when we lose somebody in our family,' says Malanka. Sheriff Torgerson says he hopes that people who attended are reminded of the sacrifices that some officers have had to make. 'I hope that their eyes were opened when we read off the numbers of the officers killed across the nation, 165 last year. When they leave here, I think they're going to have a new appreciation for those selfless sacrifices that are made each and every day, says Sheriff Torgerson. The names of every active-duty Wisconsin officer who have lost their lives since 2024 were mentioned in the ceremony. 'I hope that their eyes were opened when we read off the numbers of the officers killed across the nation, 165 last year. When they leave here, I think they're going to have a new appreciation for those selfless sacrifices that are made each and every day, says Sheriff Torgerson. The names of every active-duty Wisconsin officer who have lost their lives since 2024 were mentioned in the ceremony. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Reader thinks polar plunge looks like certain death
Feb. 23—Dear Answer Man: Once again, folks flocked to Foster-Arend Park to jump in the cold water and raise money. And once again, I'm surprised they aren't turning into ice cubes in the water. How do people not die of hypothermia, shock or extreme frostbite doing this? — Staying Warm. Dear Warm, I'm assuming you've never taken the plunge, so to speak. Well, Answer Man is with you. I complain if someone has used up most of the hot water when I get in the shower. Still, plenty of people do dunk themselves into icy Upper Midwest waters every year for fundraisers — such as the annual Polar Plunge at Foster-Arend Park — and for fun, and they seem to live to tell the frigid tale. "Knock wood, we've never had a medical emergency other than the occasional person who falls and scrapes a knee or gets a bump," says Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson, who knows a thing or two about jumping into cold lakes. Torgerson, a supporter of the Minnesota Special Olympics, has been taking the plunge for more than two decades in an effort to raise money for the games. The sheriff said it's basically all about mindset over matter. "Yep, it's going to be cold, but generally — and this is hard for some people to believe — it's no different when it's an 80-degree summer day at Foster Arend — or your favorite lake up north — and the water temperature might be 65 or 70 degrees," Torgerson said. "That first dip is a little chilly until you adapt." Take this year, for example, he said. The air temperature was somewhere in the low 20s, but the water — since it's not frozen — is likely above 32 degrees. "Usually, it's between 33 and 36 degrees," Torgerson said. "So, it's warmer in the water." The key is afterwards to warm up quickly. At the Polar Plunge, there are warming tents set to a balmy 80 degrees. The trick is to get inside quickly and avoid the wind. "The other key is the costume or clothing someone wears," he said. "It is colder, in my opinion, with more clothing on. Less is more!" Wind and cold air can freeze that water in your clothes, he said. To combat this, some people wear a moisture-wicking material that might draw the water away from your skin, which can help. "Believe it or not, swimsuits really are the best," he said. As for those Special Olympics, if you didn't jump in the cold lake but still want to support a worthy program, Torgerson said, "We are still raising funds this year with matching money from companies and friends, but we hope to reach close to $280,000 this year." The Feb. 8 event at Foster-Arend park thus far has generated $279,930 from 923 plungers. Currently, across the state, Polar Plunge events have seen more than 16,000 plungers generate more than $3.5 million for Special Olympics Minnesota, according to the Polar Plunge website, (Click "Donate" in the upper right-hand corner and select the Feb. 8 Rochester Plunge.) All that cold, hard cash, all those brave plungers; those are numbers that should warm anyone's heart. Send questions to Answer Man at answerman@ .
