Two Idaho men sentenced to federal prison for separate sex crimes involving minors – LocalNews8.com

BOISE and POCATELLO (Press Release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office/District of Idaho) – U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit has announced the outcomes of two separate cases in the District of Idaho, in which defendants were sentenced to 24 years and more than 21 years in federal prison, respectively, for sex crimes against minors.

“Our prosecutors and victim advocates are unmatched when it comes to holding child abusers accountable and supporting victims on a path to healing,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “Protecting Idaho’s children is a sacred duty to my office, and we are fortunate to have so many dedicated partners in this mission.”

On September 10, 2024, Nicholas Glenn Baker, 37, of Twin Falls, was sentenced to 288 months in federal prison for aiding and abetting the sexual exploitation of a child.

According to court records, on July 17, 2023, detectives with the Idaho Falls Police Department and the Idaho Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force began an investigation after receiving a report that child pornography had been uploaded to an online storage account. Detectives determined that the account belonged to Rexanna Marie Johnston of Idaho Falls. Detectives obtained and executed a search warrant for Johnston’s residence and electronic devices. Detectives discovered that Johnston had taken images of child pornography of an infant in her care. Detectives also found online chat communications between Johnston and Baker. In those communications, Johnston and Baker discussed their sexual interest in children and child pornography. Johnston also sent Baker images of child pornography that she had taken of the infant in her care. Baker then asked Johnston to take additional images of child pornography of the infant and send them to him, which she did. (Johnston pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation on May 22, 2024, and is awaiting sentencing scheduled for November 19, 2024.) When detectives arrested Baker, he admitted that he knew the baby in Johnston’s custody was a real child, that he had requested that Johnston show and send him child pornographic images of the baby, and that he had received those images.

“Our job, as HSI special agents and in conjunction with our many partnerships, is to protect those most vulnerable. This 288-month sentence helps accomplish that,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “Every image of child exploitation represents a life that has been changed by a child abuser, and as a community we can be ever more vigilant in reducing the amount of these images that are distributed online.”

“I am continually grateful for the hard work and partnerships that allow us to successfully investigate and prosecute these horrific crimes against children,” said Attorney General Raul Labrador. “Removing these predators from our neighborhoods is a top priority for all of us, and I am encouraged to see the courts impose sentences that are commensurate with the crimes.”

“We are proud of the work accomplished by Idaho Falls Police Department investigators in this case and grateful for our partnerships with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the ICAC Task Force,” said Idaho Falls Police Chief Bryce Johnson. “This case underscores the important work accomplished through these partnerships in protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities and pursuing justice on their behalf.”

Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered that Baker serve a lifetime of probation following his prison sentence. Baker will be required to register as a sex offender as a result of the conviction.

In another case, Alexis Alatriste, 27, of Nampa, was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child.

According to court documents, on January 5, 2024, a citizen reported to Nampa police that she had found videos on Alatriste’s cell phone that depicted Alatriste sexually abusing the 4-year-old victim. Investigators seized Alatriste’s cell phone and examined it after obtaining a search warrant. Alatriste had deleted the explicit videos, but investigators were able to recover the videos using forensic tools. Investigators determined that Alatriste had used his cell phone to record the videos of himself sexually abusing the victim. Investigators also found other files containing child pornography on the cell phone.

“This case is a great example of the importance of strong partnerships between local and federal agencies. Our teamwork successfully brought this case to a positive resolution, with Mr. Alatriste serving a prison sentence for this terrible crime. We will continue to work together to protect our community,” said Nampa Police Chief Joe Huff.

U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered that Alatriste be placed on parole for life following completion of his prison sentence. As a result of the conviction, Alatriste will be required to register as a sex offender.

The Baker case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations in Idaho Falls, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, the Idaho Falls Police Department and the Idaho ICAC Task Force. Alatriste case was investigated by the Nampa Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Paskett and Kassandra McGrady prosecuted the cases.

These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office work together to pool federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children online, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.