A Minneapolis man who was already on Minnesota’s Predatory Offender Registry admitted in federal court Monday that he used messaging apps and other online tools to exploit at least 12 girls, according to prosecutors. The victims were between 14 and 17 years old, and investigators say he targeted them for sexually explicit images and videos.
Christopher Allan Amelsberg, 36, pleaded guilty to producing and attempting to produce child pornography before Chief U.S. District Judge Eric C. Tostrud, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
Court records reviewed by FOX 9 state that from August 2023 through around May 2026, Amelsberg used text messages, social media and other online communication platforms to reach female minors. Prosecutors say he steered conversations into sexually explicit territory and persuaded, enticed or coerced the teens to create explicit images and videos.
Prosecutors Say One 15-Year-Old Was Targeted for Months
In one instance detailed in federal court documents, Amelsberg directed a 15-year-old girl to produce explicit photos and videos between August and October 2025. Prosecutors say he also admitted to “trading” sexually explicit images of children, and that authorities have identified at least 12 child victims so far.
Amelsberg was already required to register as a predatory offender because of a previous conviction for possessing child pornography. Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet been identified, and FOX 9 reports that anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip through the FBI tip line.
Officials Say the Registry Did Not Stop the Online Abuse
U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen described Amelsberg as a “child predator” and said the guilty plea is an important step toward justice for the victims and their families. FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson noted that Amelsberg continued exploiting children while registered as a sex offender, and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said tracking down online predators remains a top priority for law enforcement.
Officials point out that Amelsberg’s case is not an isolated one. In March, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that another registered sex offender, Robert James Levi, was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison. Levi coerced a 12-year-old girl into producing sexual abuse material over roughly three years, including after his state conviction and placement on the sex offender registry.
