What is Criminal Sexual Conduct? It is a grouping of crimes that include some of the following:
- Rape
- Molestation
- Incest
- Sexual assault
- Statutory rape
- Child Pornography
For Chanhassen High School principal, Timothy Scott Dorway, criminal sexual conduct means child pornography. Dorway was arrested at his home in early December by authorities who received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. They advised the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force who then conducted a search of both Dorway’s home and his office at the school. The school was included in the search because one of the IP addresses that he used to download and view images was owned by the school district of Eastern Carver County.
He has been charged with seven separate counts relating to child pornography. In Minnesota, there are separate charges and penalties for both possessing and distributing child porn. Jail terms can be up to 15-20 years and fines range from $5,000 to $20,000. The statute and penalties can be found under 617.247 Minnesota Statute.
Authorities have reported that they do not believe that any of the students at Chanhassen, or any previous schools that Dorway worked at, were involved. He is currently being held in county jail awaiting a court appearance later this month.
Anyone facing criminal sexual conduct charges needs the assistance of a criminal defense attorney. These are serious charges at the felony level and not only can you be facing jail time and fines, but you can be ordered to pay restitution in some cases and can be registered as a sex offender.
Several questions need to be asked:
- Have you ever been convicted of a similar crime?
- Is there any history of violence from the accused?
- Was the accused aware of the presence and nature of the images?
- Does the possibility of a set-up exist from someone looking to damage the accused’s reputation?
Our firm is experienced in handling cases of this nature and we have the knowledge necessary to present a comprehensive and vigorous defense on your behalf.
It is in your best interests to contact us immediately after being charged to begin your defense and find out what you are facing.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Please contact attorney Kirk Anderson for an initial consultation.