Former Box Elder County Judge Faces Child Sex Crime Charges

Christensen may change plea after nearly a year of pleading not guilty

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a damaged computer hard drive reflecting a harsh, direct flash of light, conceptually representing the discovery of illicit digital evidence in a high-profile child exploitation case.The disturbing discovery of child exploitation material on a former judge's digital devices has shaken the community and raised urgent questions about the abuse of power.Ogden Today

The former Box Elder County judge charged with multiple child sex crimes may ask to reverse the not guilty plea he entered nearly a year ago. Kevin Christensen is expected to appear in an Ogden courtroom on Thursday for a change of plea hearing after being charged with 9 counts related to the distribution and receipt of child sexual abuse material online.

Why it matters

This case highlights the disturbing issue of child exploitation and the abuse of power by those in positions of authority. The alleged actions of the former judge and fire chief raise serious concerns about the safety of children in the community and the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures.

The details

Christensen was charged with 3 counts of Enticing a Minor, 3 counts of Attempted Exploitation of a Minor, 2 counts of Dealing in Material Harmful to a Minor, and one count of Obstruction of Justice. During the investigation, the FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force recovered a chat from Christensen's online account in which he believed he was speaking with a 13-year-old girl and engaged in sexually graphic conversation, and also sent a video of an adult male performing a sexual act.

  • In July, Christensen pleaded not guilty to the 9 charges against him.
  • Christensen is expected to appear in an Ogden courtroom on Thursday (April 10, 2026) for a change of plea hearing.

The players

Kevin Christensen

The former Box Elder County judge charged with multiple child sex crimes.

Ned Brady Hansen

The former Tremonton Fire Chief who was charged with similar crimes and allegedly shared child pornography and discussed fantasies of abusing children with Christensen.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Christensen is expected to appear in court on Thursday to potentially change his plea from not guilty.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for robust safeguards, oversight, and accountability measures to protect vulnerable children from exploitation, especially when perpetrated by those in positions of public trust.