Bonneville County man sent to jail for distributing child sex abuse material

Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced that Elias Daniel Medina, 27, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a child by distribution of sexually exploitative material, a crime punishable by up to 30 years in prison. and one count of sexual exploitation of a child by possession of sexually exploitative material, a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Medina was sentenced on September 18, 2024, by Bonneville County District Judge Bruce Pickett.

“Our ICAC investigators and prosecutors are working hard to keep predators off the streets and provide justice for these tragically young victims,” said Attorney General Labrador. “I am grateful for the partnerships built across the state and the awareness raised in our communities, and for the judges who take these crimes seriously when determining sentences.”

In October 2023, the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit received multiple CyberTips indicating that files containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) were located on Medina’s accounts. After obtaining search warrants, agents searched Medina’s home and devices and found hundreds of files containing CSAM. Researchers also discovered that Medina distributed files containing CSAM to other Internet users. The files depicted underage females ranging from approximately 3 to 13 years old. Many of these files depicted minors performing sexual acts with adult men.

Judge Pickett sentenced Medina to a total of 15 years with 2 years fixed and 13 years indefinite. Medina was ordered to pay restitution to Bonneville County for his representation and court costs and fees. Upon release, Medina will be required to register as a sex offender under Idaho law.

The investigation was led by Idaho Falls Police Detective Jared Mendenhall, who works in the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Madison Allen.

Original source can be found here.