SLAYTON, Minn. - Tyna Rae Patch, 25, of Currie, is charged with dissemination of pornographic work involving a minor and possession of pornographic work involving a minor, both felonies. Patch made her initial appearance Monday in Murray County Court.
According to the criminal complaint, Slayton Police received an anonymous report that Patch had allowed a man to have sexual relations with a minor. A similar report was received the following day. Upon questioning the man, he denied having sexual relations with the child, nor had he met her. He did say he had been involved in a sexual relationship with Patch.
The man told law enforcement Patch had sent him a nude photo of the girl via text message and that he had deleted the photo from his phone. A search of the phone did not turn up the alleged photo.
The officer then spoke with Patch, who agreed to give a statement. Patch admitted to sending the man a nude photo of the young girl in an effort to stimulate the man, saying she thought he was “into that kind of thing.” However, she denied having ever met the man or having a relationship with him.
Four days after the initial interview, Patch met with law enforcement again and admitted to having sent up to six nude photos of the young girl via text message. A search of Patch’s phone uncovered six nude photos of the child.
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In a third interview with Patch, officers showed her the pictures retrieved from her phone. She identified all six as ones she had taken and sent to the man with the purpose of using them for sexual arousal.
In her first appearance in Murray County District Court last week, Patch was released on her own recognizance. A plea hearing has been set for September. As a condition of her release, Patch is to remain law-abiding, make all future court appearances and make and maintain contact with her attorney.
If found guilty, dissemination of pornographic work involving a minor carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, a $10,000 fine or both. Possession of pornographic work involving a minor carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $5,000 fine or both.
