On May 27, 2022, Steven John Peterson (33), and Kristen Ann Sanderson (31) both of Lakeside were found guilty of multiple charges relating to sexual conduct with a minor. Steven was remanded to the Navajo County Jail and Kristen was instructed to report to probation. Sentencing for both is scheduled for June 2022.
On December 10, 2018, Navajo County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a 15-year-old female of Lakeside, being sexually abused by Steven. The investigation was turned over to the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit. During the investigation, Detectives learned that Kristen was also involved in the abuse. The Detectives served multiple search warrants resulting in numerous items of evidence collected.
On May 27, 2022, at the Navajo County Superior Court, Kristen was found guilty of Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation, and Sexual Conduct with a Minor. Steven was found guilty of three counts of Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation, and five counts of Sexual Conduct with a Minor. All the charges listed are felonies.
Sheriff Clouse stated the following: “Crimes against children are an absolute priority to me and the entire Navajo County Sheriff’s Office. We pray for the victim in this case and hope they can find healing in their recovery from this difficult situation. Investigations such as this, take a lot of time and persistence in the investigative portion and in the courtroom. I want to thank the NCSO Criminal Investigations Unit for their work in this case. I also want to speak to all victims in the county, if you or someone you know is in a position of danger please reach out to us or someone you trust for help.”
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