“Sexting” via Facebook

By Raul Fernandez 

(SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb.) — The case began with an affidavit for a warrant detailing an investigation by Detective Rob Kiesel of the Scottsbluff Police Department, initiated by information from a probation officer. Keagan Powell (22) was already on probation for a sexual assault charge and registered as a sex offender.

The investigation revealed that Powell had reactivated a Facebook account and engaged in “sexting” with a juvenile female identified as H.P. who was 15 years old at the time of the incidents in October 2024. The victim later admitted to sending sexually explicit videos and photos of herself to Powell.

Powell was initially charged with five counts, including creating or generating sexually explicit visual depictions, possession of child pornography, child abuse, enticement by an electronic communication device, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

A plea agreement, filed on May 19, 2025, led to Powell pleading guilty or no contest to an amended information. Under this agreement, several charges were dismissed, and Powell pleaded to Count 2: Possess Child Pornography, Age 19 and Over, a Class 2A Felony, which carries a potential sentence of 0-20 years imprisonment. The plea agreement explicitly stated that there were no prior agreements regarding the final sentencing.

Keagan Powell has been sentenced to 8 to 12 years.  The sentencing, signed on October 22, also includes 346 days credit for time served and mandates lifetime sex offender registration and parole supervision

During sentencing the prosecutor made several comments addressing the need for incarceration, mentioning he scored in the high risk area of reoffending and was on probation when this case occurred. His defense argued that anything more than 3-5 was excessive. Judge Dobrovolny, last to comment, praised the good work of the probation officer and also acknowledged his preference of younger teens as victims, stating that his motivation for targeting younger victims was sexually motivated.

The defendant still has to appear in Dawson county for a probation revocation in case CR-23-249. No date scheduled yet