By Josh Margolis
GREAT FALLS, Mont. (NMB) – A Box Elder Man and former Stone Child Assistant Basketball Coach accused of having sex with a minor pleaded guilty on Monday to the felonies of possession of child pornography and sexual abuse of a minor.
Christopher Brown, 32, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Great Falls. Brown faces a maximum 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the sexual abuse of a minor charge and a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release on the child pornography charge.
According to the prosecution, on the night of January 21st, 2020, a Rocky Boy Police Department Officer observed a vehicle parked at the rodeo grounds. When the Officer attempted to check in on the vehicle, the driver tried to drive away.
The officer initiated a traffic stop and observed Brown in the driver seat and a minor female in the passenger seat. The minor, who was between the ages of 12 and 16, told the Officer that the driver had initiated their meeting that night. Brown then was arrested on an outstanding warrant.
Brown later admitted to the FBI that he had been in a sexual relationship with the minor since 2018, and had intercourse with her six times. He also admitted to making a video of one of the encounters.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Cobell is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and set sentencing for September 30th.
Brown was detained pending further proceedings.
