Minnesota State Trooper Charged With Production Of Child Pornography

ST. PAUL, MN — Minnesota State Trooper Jeremy Francis Plonski was charged by criminal complaint Thursday in U.S. District Court with one count of production of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

Plonski has been arrested on a federal warrant and remains in custody at Sherbune County Jail pending a detention hearing.

He faces a mandatory minimum of fifteen years in prison if convicted.

The criminal complaint with further details had not been made public as of Thursday, and federal prosecutors did not release additional information about the alleged conduct.

"The U.S. Attorney’s Office has zero tolerance for public officials who violate federal laws—particularly those laws that protect vulnerable children from sexual abuse," said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

"Plonski took an oath to protect and serve our community. While donning his uniform, Plonski committed one of the most vile and predatory offenses imaginable. This is abhorrent—to Minnesota as a whole and to our law enforcement community in particular. I am proud of the swift and decisive action of law enforcement, who responded immediately and worked cooperatively to take Plonski into custody."

"The conduct alleged in this case is horrifying and a gross betrayal of public trust," said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis.

"Law enforcement officers are sworn to protect the most vulnerable among us — not exploit them. When someone in a position of authority commits such an egregious and despicable crime, the damage extends beyond the victim — it shakes the very foundation of our communities’ trust. The FBI and our partners will not hesitate to investigate and bring to justice anyone who preys on children, no matter their badge or title."

"The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is committed to working with our federal, state and local partners to identify and hold accountable those who sexually abuse children," BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said. "We will pursue anyone who wishes to harm children in our communities."

The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanked the FBI for their investigation and hard work, as well as the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Shakopee Police Department.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office also thanked the Minnesota State Patrol for their work and assistance in safely apprehending the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel W. Bobier is prosecuting the case.

Patch will update this article when more information becomes available through public court filings.