Man pleads guilty in child bride sex case

KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Reuters) – A Nebraska man who
impregnated and married a 14-year-old pleaded guilty to sexual
assault on Tuesday for his relationship with the girl and faces
up to 50 years in prison.

Matt Koso, 22, pleaded guilty to first-degree sexual
assault in Richardson County District Court for breaking a
Nebraska law that prohibits anyone aged 19 or older from having
sex with anyone under the age of 16.

The case drew national attention and prompted a call for
changes in marriage laws.

Koso, of Falls City, Nebraska, and the girl had an ongoing
relationship. After she became pregnant, they married in
Kansas, where state law allows anyone as young as 12 to wed
with parental consent. The girl’s parents agreed to the
marriage and she has since had the baby.

The case prompted Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to call for
legislation banning marriage involving anyone younger than 16.

Koso initially pleaded not guilty, and supporters said
authorities were unfairly penalizing young lovers.

But Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning, a Republican who
aggressively pushed Koso’s prosecution, disagreed. “This case
was about a grown man having sex with a child. Mr. Koso
committed a serious crime, and he must now face the
consequences,” he said in a statement.

Sentencing is set for February 7. Koso faces one to 50
years in prison.