Idaho judge sets Meridian man’s bond at $2 million after child exploitation charges
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An Idaho judge set a Meridian man’s bail at $2 million this week after prosecutors alleged he had thousands of child pornography videos on his phone.
The 26-year-old has been charged with three felony counts of sexual exploitation of a child, according to online court records.
“We do believe that this is a strong case, given that this is an ongoing investigation,” prosecutors told the judge on Friday during the man’s arraignment. “Additionally, the defendant confessed to viewing, downloading and searching child pornography, and that he shares files with other people.”
Meridian detectives received a tip over the summer, according to a statement from the department.
Prosecutors said in court that the investigation began with only 23 files on the man’s computer — 14 of which were “apparent minors.”
But the investigation revealed even more, prosecutors said in court.
Meridian Police executed a search warrant on Nov. 7 and the man was “taken into custody without further incident,” the statement said.
Prosecutors said in court there were two minor children in the home when he was arrested.
The state requested a $1 million bond, but ultimately the judge ordered the higher amount.
The judge set several pretrial release conditions, including prohibiting the man from using a computer or smartphone, not being physically present with a minor child and not residing with a child.
This story was originally published November 9, 2024 at 1:59 PM.
