Sexual Abuser Sentenced
 | Author:
Dee Gannon
MT43 News Correspondent |
Sexual Abuser Sentenced Dee Gannon Friday, January 6 brought a sigh of relief to the victims of Christopher Hogeweide; who was in court for sentencing on a charge of sexual assault of a minor (common scheme).
Michael Gee, the special prosecutor, entered as exhibits, the victim impact statements of the two underage girls; as well as the testimony of the girls’ mother. The mother, Courtney Morgan, testified that her daughters were removed from her home in 2011, after the incident. Victim Advocate, Brooke Dolan, read the statement of the abused minor, JH. JH is now 17; but entered the home of her Uncle Chris and Aunt Marleen at six years old. The victim’s statement related that she and her sister were forced to do chores; food and friends were withheld; they were yelled at, and heard the adults yelling at each other often, as well. She insisted that the sexual abuse began at about ten years old, with him touching her under her clothes; escalating quickly to him taking more and more liberties.
The attorney for the Defense, Kenneth Cotter, introduced Dr. Robert Page, who is a forensic psychiatrist. Dr. Page said that Hogeweide had two evaluations; the first in May 2022; the second was in September, 2022. “Is Chris honest?” He was asked. “Yes,” Page replied. “Hogeweide takes accountability for forming an unhealthy bond with his niece.” Page continued, stating that Chris had two deployments to Iraq; where he got a traumatic brain injury, and suffers from PTSD. He has a 70% veteran disability (there was discussion of whether it was 70% or 90%) and reportedly, suffers from anxiety and depression. Dr. Page said that he recommends Hogeweide be placed as a sex offender risk, Tier 1 (lowest risk to re-offend), as well as participate in sex offender treatment.
The State Prosecutor, Michael Gee, argued the difference between treatment in custody vs. treatment in the community; saying that Hogeweide’s anxiety, depression and PTSD were self-reported. At first, the defendant denied all the allegations but, after his Change of Plea, he admitted to doing some things. Gee said that the harm to the victim is immeasurable. He asked, “Do you know who else suffers PTSD? Sexual abuse victims! She will have to deal with this for the rest of her life. His service, his PTSD is no excuse for this kind of behavior”.
Judge Menehan asked if Hogeweide cared to say anything in his defense. The defendant said, “I apologize to the victims, and I hope that everyone is able to come to a healthy place”.
Judge Menehan stated before Sentencing, “Mr. Hogeweide was put in a position of trust; he violated that trust. My Sentence is 20 years in Montana State Prison (MSP), with a 10-year restriction on parole. He must participate in, and complete sex offender treatment. If he isn’t able to get into treatment right away, he must stay in prison until he completes phase one; then, perhaps, he can be released. He must pay fees and surcharges of $80, plus another $50”.
Hogeweide is remanded into custody to await transport to MSP.
