Thief River Falls Man Sentenced in Child Solicitation Case

THIEF RIVER FALLS, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A Thief River Falls man received a stayed prison sentence in a felony electronic child solicitation case.

Damian Marshall Teie, 30, was sentenced Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in Pennington County District Court.

The court imposed a 20-month prison sentence, stayed for five years. Teie must serve 120 days in jail and complete five years of supervised probation.

Jail Time and Probation Conditions

Teie received permission for work release and Sentence to Serve privileges if eligible.

He may also receive furloughs for treatment and appointments approved by his probation agent.

The court ordered Teie to complete a psychological-sexual evaluation and follow all treatment recommendations.

He must comply with predatory offender registration requirements and provide a DNA sample.

Teie must also obtain and maintain employment and pay $210 in fines and fees.

Restrictions Involving Children and Internet Use

The sentence includes several restrictions involving minors and electronic devices.

Teie cannot contact the victim without permission from his supervising agent or treatment team.

He must also write an apology letter.

The court restricted unsupervised contact with minors and vulnerable adults unless approved by his supervising agent or treatment team.

Teie cannot visit parks, playgrounds, or school property without approval.

He must also complete safety planning for situations involving contact with minors in the community.

Internet access must be supervised unless his probation agent grants permission.

Devices providing internet access must use approved monitoring software.

Teie is prohibited from possessing sexually explicit materials, firearms, ammunition, or explosives.

Snapchat Messages Led to Investigation

The case began with a February 18 report from a 13-year-old boy.

According to the amended criminal complaint, Teie added the boy on Snapchat and began exchanging messages.

The conversation allegedly became sexual, despite the boy repeatedly stating his age.

Investigators reported that Teie sent sexually explicit messages and an inappropriate photograph during the conversation.

On February 20, Teie spoke with law enforcement about the allegations.

He admitted adding the child on Snapchat and sending inappropriate messages.

However, Teie claimed he did not initially know the boy was 13.

He said he removed the boy from Snapchat after learning his age.

Previous Case and Court Records

The amended complaint also referenced Teie’s earlier criminal history.

According to the complaint, Teie pleaded guilty in 2019 to felony stalking involving a victim under 18.

That offense involved sexual or aggressive intent. The conviction was later deemed a misdemeanor under Minnesota Statute 609.13.

Minnesota’s electronic child solicitation law addresses certain sexual communications involving children.

Readers can review Minnesota Statute 609.352 for additional information.

Public court information is available through the Minnesota Court Records Online portal.

Teie’s 20-month prison term remains stayed, subject to the court’s sentencing conditions.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.