BRIDGEPORT - A Broadwater man was sentenced in Morrill County District Court Monday for possession of child pornography, third-degree sexual assault of a juvenile and child abuse.

Duane Owen Jr., 53, was arrested following an investigation earlier in the year, triggered by a report from a juvenile family member, who disclosed disturbing incidents that occurred during a Christmas visit to Owen's home.

The case, investigated by the Morrill County Sheriff's Office, began in January 2024 when the family member reported to a therapist Owen had showed her sex toys, performed explicit acts with a sex doll in front of her and made inappropriate sexual comments. The family member also revealed Owen had asked her to engage in sexual behavior and had shown her pornographic material on his phone. A forensic interview confirmed the child's account.

A search warrant executed at Owen’s home uncovered multiple electronic devices containing child pornography, including images of young children - some as young as one year old - being sexually abused. Investigators also recovered a sex doll (described in detail by the family member) and a loaded .22 caliber revolver. 

Owen, who is a convicted felon and registered sex offender from a prior conviction for possession of sexually explicit material involving minors in Adams County in 2017, was charged with 25 counts of possession of child pornography, one count of third-degree sexual assault of a juvenile and child abuse. He was also charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

Owen will serve 75 years in prison following his conviction.