Brian Bergthold turned himself into Bella Vista police back in March on charges of sexual assault after investigators received complaints from one of his foster children and found child pornography in his home. Bergthold was charged with 21 sex-related felonies- 19 of which were for child pornography. According the Department of Justice, investigators found videos involving Bergthold and a 15-year-old boy who was in his care at the time. The video shows Bergthold directing the boy to engage in sexual acts and even shows Bergthold himself molesting the boy. Federal authorities got involved and charged Bergthold with 2 counts of producing child pornography-- one count from here in Arkansas and one count from Oregon. And one count of transferring child porn- stemming from a VHS tape Bergthold brought with him when he moved to Arkansas. Bergthold's attorney told KNWA Bergthold chose to plead guilty to those federal charges because he didn't want the foster children to endure the pain a trial would have caused. Bergthold also forfeited his Bella Vista home without a fight, after prosecutors asked the home be forfeited because it was where Bergthold committed his sex crimes. As he awaits official sentencing in the Benton County Jail, he still faces those 21 felonies from the state. But his lawyer says Bergthold probably won't be tried on those charges until he receives his federal sentence. The U.S. District Attorney's Office says Bergthold could face anywhere from 15 to 70 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.
