FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Longtime Arizona broadcaster and Northern Arizona University (NAU) instructor Dave Zorn formally pleaded guilty yesterday in Coconino County Superior Court to two felony charges stemming from an undercover investigation into online child exploitation.
According to court records, Zorn admitted guilt to:
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One count of Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation (Class 3 felony)
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One count of Attempted Furnishing Harmful Items to a Minor (Class 4 felony)
Both charges are classified as dangerous crimes against children.
Sentencing Recommendations
Under the plea agreement, the presiding judge has recommended the following:
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1.5 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for the attempted furnishing charge.
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10 years of intensive probation for the luring charge, to begin following his release on parole.
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Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration under Arizona law.
Zorn was immediately booked back into jail following his guilty plea.
Case Background
The case against Zorn originated from an undercover investigation into online child exploitation. Prosecutors initially charged him with four counts of luring a minor for sexual exploitation and three counts of attempted furnishing harmful items to a minor.
As part of his plea agreement, Zorn pleaded guilty to just one count of each charge, significantly reducing his potential prison exposure
Professional Background
Zorn was well known across Northern Arizona as a longtime radio broadcaster and news voice. In recent years, he also served as an instructor at Northern Arizona University, mentoring students in journalism and broadcasting.
Next Steps: Zorn will return to court for formal sentencing, where the judge will review the recommendations outlined in the plea agreement.
Flagscanner has obtained public documents from the Coconino County Superior Court that outline the plea agreement Zorn has agreed to. These documents were used to write this article.
