BOX ELDER COUNTY — Judge Kevin Christensen, a First District Justice Court Judge, has been arrested for allegedly chatting with others online about sexually abusing children, according to law enforcement. The 64-year-old man was booked into the Box Elder County Jail following an investigation by the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
According to the arrest affidavit, FBI agents became aware of an individual in Box Elder County using an app to communicate with others about sexually abusing, sexually exploiting, and enticing children on Feb. 28. Christensen is suspected of chatting with and sending explicit photos to several children.
The agent reported that in chats with adults, Christensen expressed interest in young children and solicited child sexual abuse material from those users. He also exchanged child sexual abuse material as well.
During chats with users, Christensen made multiple references to having sexually abused relative children. Those allegations are under investigation, according to the probable cause statement.
Law enforcement reported, “These actions show [Christensen] is a clear danger to the community.”
The affidavit stated that due to Christensen’s position on the bench, “he is a greater danger to flee to avoid prosecution. The position of trust he holds in the community and the actions he undertook while in this position significantly undermine the confidence of the community in the legitimacy of the criminal justice system.”
Christensen was appointed to the Box Elder County Justice Court in May 1996. He served in Box Elder County, Tremonton City, Brigham City, Garland City, and Willard City.
As part of his job, Christensen often spoke to various youth and civic groups about the structure and function of the court system.