Christopher Allan Amelsberg, 36, of Minneapolis, pleaded guilty to the production and attempted production of child pornography, according to a July 13 announcement from United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. Amelsberg entered his plea before Chief U.S. District Judge Eric C. Tostrud on July 27. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date; he faces a statutory minimum sentence of 25 years’ imprisonment.
According to court documents, between August 2023 and May 2026, Amelsberg used text messaging and other internet-based social media and communication applications to engage female minor victims in sexually focused conversations for the purposes of producing or attempting to produce child pornography. In one instance from August 2025 through October 2025, he used online messaging platforms to solicit and direct Minor Victim 1—whom he knew was 15 years old—to produce videos and images depicting sexually explicit conduct.
Amelsberg admitted that he persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced multiple victims between the ages of 14 and 17 years old into producing or attempting to produce child pornography. He also admitted “trading” lascivious or sexually explicit images of children. Authorities have identified at least twelve minor victims whom Amelsberg solicited or attempted to solicit for unlawful sexual acts.
At the time these offenses occurred, Amelsberg was on the Minnesota Predatory Offender Registry due to a prior conviction for possession of child pornography.
“Amelsberg is a child predator, and today’s plea is an important step towards justice for the victims and families he harmed,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. “Protecting children is our office’s highest priority, and we will continue working with federal and local law enforcement to hold accountable those who prey on them.”
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said, “Identifying and holding online predators accountable for their actions is one of the BCA’s highest priorities… We must do everything we can to stop them, bring them to justice, and support the victims and families whose lives they have forever changed.” FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson said, “Even after a previous state conviction for possessing child sexual abuse material, this defendant did not learn his lesson… The FBI, BCA, and our law enforcement partners around Minnesota have… worked together tirelessly to stop child predators.”
Investigators believe there may be additional victims; anyone with information about online exploitation by Christopher Allan Amelsberg is encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or submit information at tips.fbi.gov.
The case resulted from an investigation by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), FBI Minneapolis Division with assistance from Minneapolis Police Department; it is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Austin L. Bowyer.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation using federal resources alongside state agencies. According to the official website, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota operates under the U.S. Department of Justice with headquarters in Minneapolis/St. Paul courthouses; it employs about 140 people including more than seventy attorneys who prosecute federal crimes across Minnesota.