Former Tremonton fire chief makes first appearance on child sex crime charges

TREMONTON, Utah (ABC4) — The former Tremonton Fire Department Chief accused of multiple child sex crimes made his first appearance in court on Monday – though not much was done.

Ned Brady Hansen, 54, appeared virtually before Judge Reuben Renstrom in a brief hearing where Renstrom said he had recused himself from the case.

Hansen, who was arrested in late January over child pornography allegations has been linked to alleged crimes committed by former Justice Court Judge Kevin Christensen. According to court documents, the two allegedly had several graphic conversations regarding child sex abuse materials and were reportedly involved in a sexual relationship with one another.

Christensen, 64, was arrested earlier this month and submitted a letter of resignation from his position just a week later.

While the two are currently being tried separately, Judge Renstrom indicated Hansen and Christensen could be tried as co-defendants in the future. The possibility caused Renstrom to have some reservations about continuing with administrative matters on the case.

Hansen’s hearing was continued to Thursday, March 20, before Judge Joseph Bean, who is also presiding over Christensen’s case. During the rescheduled hearing, Hansen’s attorney, Shannon Demler, is expected to make arguments for Hansen’s release on bail.

Christensen is also scheduled for an in-person appearance before Judge Bean on Thursday. It will be Christensen’s initial appearance.