Man admits guilt in sex abuse case

A Watertown man faces a possible life sentence in prison after admitting Friday in federal court that he conspired with his wife to cross state lines with the intent of engaging in a sexual act with a child under age 12.

Christopher I. Jansen, 28, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court, Utica, to charges that he traveled to Kentucky in June 2008 to pick up his 13-year-old stepdaughter, his 8-year-old stepson, his 5-year-old daughter and his 3-year-old son and return them to Watertown, where he engaged in sexual acts with the two middle children.

His wife, Amanda D. Jansen, 27, faces similar charges and is scheduled for a change of plea hearing Wednesday.

Both had previously entered not guilty pleas to the charges. The couple also still faces a seven-count Jefferson County grand jury indictment, including two counts each of predatory sexual assault on a child, for alleged acts against a 1-year-old girl.

Their arrests in September 2008 stemmed from a "cyber tip" given to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Based on the tip, a warrant was executed at their South Hycliff Drive apartment, where child pornography allegedly was found.

Federal charges were brought in December alleging they transported minors into the state with the intent of sexually abusing them. According to an affidavit in support of the complaint submitted by a state police investigator, the Jansens admitted drugging two of the children before sexually abusing them.

In the affidavit, the investigator said that Mrs. Jansen admitted that Mr. Jansen traveled to Kentucky and brought the children to Watertown. In his plea agreement, Mr. Jansen admitted the 8-year-old and 5-year-old children were drugged with Ambien, a drug used to treat insomnia that causes users to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, and sexually abused. The couple made no admission that the 13-year-old and 3-year-old were sexually abused.

It was not stated in the Jefferson County indictment whether the allegedly abused 1-year-old had any familial relationship with either of the Jansens.

According to the federal plea agreement, Mr. Jansen could face up to life in prison for his conviction when sentenced at a later date.

However, because Mr. Jansen accepted responsibility by pleading guilty and avoided a trial, the government has agreed to possibly impose a lesser sentence.