Full Breakdown
Former Ogden Police Officer Sentenced to 30 Days Jail for Felony Sexual Exploitation of Minors
5/2/2026, 5:38:03 AM
Core Incident and Sentencing
Former Ogden police officer and school resource officer Colten Scott Johansen, 56, pleaded guilty on Dec. 4 to two counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor for viewing or possessing child pornography and one count of forcible sexual abuse, all second-degree felonies. Judge Catherine Conklin sentenced him to up to 15 years on each count, suspending all but a 30-day jail term at Weber County Jail, followed by 60 days home confinement and four years probation.
Career and Prior Roles
Johansen began his law-enforcement career in 1994 with the Weber County Sheriff’s Office, moved to the Ogden Police Department in 2002, and served as a school resource officer at Ogden High School until his arrest. He earned 31 awards, keeping only two after his conviction. Former Ogden Police Chief Randy Watt testified that Johansen assisted a task force investigating sex crimes and was considered “very decorated and respected.”
Official Statements & Judicial Rationale
Judge Conklin said Johansen is “not a danger to the community” but stressed the need for consequences to deter future offenders and uphold accountability for “heinous” conduct. Watt asserted Johansen “could be trusted with anything we asked him to do,” noting no department would store child-sex-abuse material, which led him to keep it in boxes at his Huntsville garage.
On-the-Ground Perspective
At sentencing Johansen claimed he only viewed adult pornography mixed with child material, calling it “a one-time deal.” He said the arrest devastated him, causing loss of work, friends, and financial stability. “My whole goal in life was to protect and serve my community,” he added, “I don’t know how many times I’ve been shot at.”
Conflicting Accounts & Gaps
Johansen’s assertion that he unintentionally encountered child material conflicts with the prosecution’s charges of intentional viewing and possession of child pornography. The sources do not provide independent verification of his claim, leaving a factual discrepancy between his statement and the legal findings.
Data Summary
- Defendant: Colten Scott Johansen, 56
- Charges: 2 counts attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, 1 count forcible sexual abuse (second-degree felonies)
- Sentence: 30 days jail (2 days credit), 60 days home confinement, 4 years probation
- Service: 1994-2023 law enforcement, 31 awards (2 retained)
- Arrest: Oct. 23 2023 by Davis County sheriff’s deputies
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don't think Mr. Johansen is a danger to the community in any respect,” — Judge Catherine Conklin
- “could be trusted with anything we asked him to do,” — Former Police Chief Randy Watt
- “It was a one-time deal,” — Colten Johansen
- “My whole goal in life was to protect and serve my community," he said.” — Colten Johansen
Upcoming Supervision
Johansen will report to Weber County Jail on March 2 to begin his 30-day term, after which he will serve 60 days of home confinement and remain on four-year probation.
