More than 30,000 images of child porn allegedly found

Sentencing for a Waseca man who pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sexual conduct in May was delayed Wednesday in Freeborn County District Court after more than 30,000 of images of child pornography were allegedly found on his computer.

A new sentencing date for Brandon Lee Boyum, 36, has not been set.

The images allegedly found on his computer were not related to his charge of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Court documents state Assistant Freeborn County Attorney Jennifer Clements notified Public Defender Jeremy Clinefelter Tuesday she intended to introduce the evidence at sentencing, which Clinefelter hoped to suppress.

The images, some of which could have allegedly been photos of children taken by Boyum, were reportedly found in a forensic search of the computer by a local detective.

The computer was recovered in a search of Boyum’s Waseca residence and has been in the state’s custody since Sept. 11.

In issuing the delay, Judge Steven Schwab discussed the lack of time people involved with the case had to evaluate the images and said he needed to evaluate all evidence before issuing a sentence, especially one with such a severe potential sentence. He said as of Wednesday, Boyum faced a sentence of either 12 years in prison or being placed on probation for decades.

Court documents state Boyum was charged after he took photos of and engaged in sexual penetration and contact with an 11-year girl in September 2016.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Boyum was in custody.