TRF News — In a deeply disturbing case out of Scott County, Minnesota, a Minnesota State Patrol trooper, Jeremy Francis Plonski, 29, has been charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct of an infant and faces federal charges for the production of child pornography.
According to court documents, FBI special agents in Houston began analyzing a cellphone on Wednesday during an investigation into child sexual abuse materials. The forensic analysis identified Plonski as the perpetrator behind the production of graphic videos depicting the sexual assault of an infant girl. Law enforcement reported that both Plonski’s face and the victim’s were clearly visible, with video files dated around April 19, 2023.
Plonski admitted during interrogation that he engaged in a “dominant/submissive” online relationship via the app Kik beginning in 2022. He stated that at the behest of another user, he recorded and sent four to five videos of himself sexually assaulting the infant inside his home in Shakopee, Minnesota. He claimed he ceased contact after these recordings but authorities allege the abuse spanned from 2022 to May 2023.
Following his arrest, Plonski, who became a trooper in 2022, has been placed on administrative leave while internal investigations continue. He remains held in federal custody at Sherburne County Jail without bond.
Officials at multiple levels have condemned the crimes:
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Lisa Kirkpatrick, Acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota, said: “While donning his uniform, Plonski committed one of the most vile and predatory offenses imaginable.”
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Drew Evans, BCA Superintendent, stated: “This child endured unimaginable sexual abuse. We will continue our dogged pursuit of any criminal who preys on our children — our most vulnerable residents.”
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Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar pledged to seek the maximum penalties available.
Plonski is currently represented by a federal public defender in court proceedings. An attorney for his state charges has not yet been listed.
Further updates are expected as both federal and state prosecutors move forward aggressively.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.