Indictment: Southeast Minnesota Man Aided in the Sexual Exploitation of Children

Minneapolis, MN (KROC-AM News)- A man from southeastern Minnesota is facing federal charges connected to the sexual exploitation of children. 

See Also: Plea Agreement Reached in Rochester "Peeping Tom" Case

That’s according to an indictment unsealed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Minnesota on Tuesday. He made his first federal court appearance last week. 

The indictment accuses 61-year-old Steven John Sokel of aiding and abetting efforts of other people to coerce minor girls living outside of the United States to engage in sexually explicit conduct that would be used to create child pornography. 

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The Blooming Prairie man is alleged to have participated in the international scheme from November of 2021 through April of 2022. 

He was also in possession of videos and images depicting minors engaged in sexual acts, according to a news release that summarizes the indictment. 

Sokel has been charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography. 

He was ordered to be kept in custody following his arraignment. Sokel’s next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.

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