On Monday, June 8, 2026, KSL.com reported that a former justice court judge from Box Elder County, Kevin Robert Christensen, 65, was sentenced to prison for sexual misconduct.

Judge Catherine Conklin handed down the sentence, which includes prison terms ranging from zero to five years on each of three felony charges: enticing a minor on the internet and two counts of dealing in materials harmful to a minor. These are all third-degree felonies.

Departing from the recommendations of both Christensen’s attorney and the Utah Attorney General’s Office, Conklin ordered that the sentences be served consecutively rather than concurrently. Christensen had already been in jail for 459 days at the time of sentencing.

The judge acknowledged Christensen’s lack of prior criminal history and his former position of trust as a justice court judge in Brigham City. However, she emphasized that his online activities revealed a disturbing sexual deviancy and interest in female children, stating that his public persona masked a darker reality. Conklin also noted that Christensen requires treatment for his rehabilitative needs.

Christensen, who appeared in court in jail garb, expressed sorrow for his actions, stating, “The sorrow I feel is truly beyond words. It’s not me feeling sorry for myself. It’s feeling sorrow for those I’ve hurt and betrayed.” He admitted that the online chats he initiated and participated in were “truly awful.”

Christensen’s attorney, Ryan Bushell, had argued for bail, citing the 459 days already served and a sentencing recommendation of zero to 120 days of jail and probation. Bushell also pointed out that investigators never found child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on Christensen’s devices and that the identities of the 13- and 16-year-old girls involved in the chats could not be positively identified. Bushell argued that while the chats were horrific, Christensen never received CSAM or touched anyone.

Conversely, prosecutor Austin Memmott presented a tougher stance, referencing online communications where Christensen allegedly discussed his desire to sexually abuse children, his preference for a specific age range, and his use of encrypted apps to build a collection of child sex abuse material. Memmott argued that Christensen posed a risk to the community and children and could not be adequately supervised on probation.

The charges stemmed from a tip in late 2024 from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Christensen, who served as a justice court judge in Brigham City in March 2025, was arrested on the charges. He resigned shortly after being charged, and his case was moved from the 1st District Court to the 2nd District Court in Ogden. Bail was denied in October, and he has remained in Davis County Jail.

The article also briefly mentioned the case of former Tremonton Fire Chief Ned Brady Hansen, who was charged with similar offenses related to sexually abusing children and shared disturbing chats with Christensen. Hansen has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In her sentencing, Conklin called the presentence report “flawed” and highlighted Christensen’s 29-year tenure as a judge, suggesting he may be in denial and blaming others. She concluded by stating that judges are to be beyond reproach and are not above the law, and Christensen’s actions damaged the integrity of the judiciary.

Utah Attorney General Derek Brown issued a statement reinforcing that no one is above the law.

Christensen is expected to be placed on the sex offender registry for life.

 

 

Source: KSL.com