Scott James Nichols, Child Exploitation, Montana 2014

In a disturbing case of child exploitation, Scott James Nichols, a 42-year-old resident of Lockwood, Montana, was arraigned in U.S. Magistrate Judge Ostby’s court on August 19, 2014. Nichols is accused of sexual exploitation of children, attempted sexual exploitation of children, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.

If convicted of the most serious charges, Nichols faces 30 years in prison, $250,000 in fines, and lifetime supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Billings Police Department.

Nichols entered a plea of Not Guilty to the charges. The case is ongoing, and it is unclear what the next steps will be. However, it is clear that the community is shocked by these allegations.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the arraignments of several individuals on August 19, 2014. In addition to Nichols, Robert Douglas Kortum and John Grimson Lyon were also arraigned on charges of possession with intent to distribute prescription drugs and wire fraud, respectively.

The cases are being monitored by the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system. The public can access the court calendar and review documents filed in the case by registering for a PACER account.

Nichols’ case has sparked concern in the community, and many are seeking more information about the charges and the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has not released any further information about the case at this time.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant: Scott James Nichols
Criminal Charges: Sexual exploitation of children, attempted sexual exploitation of children, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography
City and State: Lockwood, Montana
Date: August 19, 2014
Sentence: Not Guilty plea, faces 30 years in prison, $250,000 in fines, and lifetime supervised release
Dollar Amounts: $250,000 in fines

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