Mitchell man pleads guilty to child pornography charge

A Mitchell man pleaded guilty Tuesday to two counts of attempted possession of child pornography.

Mark Johnson, 54, faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine on each charge. In exchange for Johnson’s guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to dismiss a charge of sexual contact with a child younger than 16.

Johnson admitted in court to attempting to access online child pornography using his computer between June and September. Prosecutors also agreed not to charge Johnson as a habitual offender and to recommend any prison sentences imposed on the two charges be served concurrently.

Judge Tim Bjorkman ordered Johnson to have a psychosexual evaluation prior to sentencing, which is scheduled for March.

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