A former Blair High School activities director who was found to be in possession of child pornography accepted a plea deal and was found guilty Monday during a plea change hearing at the Roman L. Hruska Federal Courthouse in Omaha.
Dan Hutsell, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly distributing videos of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. His five other charges, which also included possession of child pornography, were dismissed as part of the plea deal.
Following a presentence investigation, Hutsell is scheduled for sentencing June 28 at 9:30 a.m. in the Federal Courthouse.
The government, represented by Donald J. Klein, recommended Hutsell serve the advisory guideline range for sentencing, which could potentially include a maximum 20-year prison sentence, $250,000 fine and a five years to life post-release supervision.
Hustell was indicted by a grand jury on July 19, 2022.
During his first hearing that day, during which time he pleaded not guilty to all six charges, he was granted release from Douglas County Corrections on several conditions, which included no internet access unless searching for employment with supervision from his parents, whom he resides with; no contact with minors under the age of 18 other than his children; and cannot travel outside Douglas, Sarpy or Washington counties.
An electronic monitoring device was also installed at Hutsell's parent's residence.
Judge Michael D. Nelson allowed Hutsell to remain released until his sentencing date, noting he was not notified of Hutsell being non-compliant during his release.
Klein provided a factual basis during the hearing.
Klein said on Sept. 13, 2021, Stelivo, an electronic service provider located outside of Nebraska, identified at least one image of a minor "engaging in sexually-explicit conduct" on its server.
An investigation began, where authorities were eventually able to link a user name to Hutsell's IP address, which showed a photo of a minor child engaged in sexually-explicit conduct.
Additional uploads and images were also found to come from the same IP address using the site freechatnow.com.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Hutsell's home on Nov. 30, where Hutsell admitted to officers that he used his computer to trade pornography using freechatnow.com.
