Damian Thompson, Child Porn Possession, NE 2024

Damian Thompson, 37, formerly of Cedar Creek, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln to 70 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography. U.S. Senior District Judge Richard G. Kopf handed down the sentence after evidence revealed Thompson had amassed thousands of illicit images across multiple devices. Upon release, Thompson will be required to register as a sex offender and serve five years under federal supervised release.

The case began in April 2015, when Nebraska City police raided a local address searching for drugs and evidence of drug dealing. While executing the warrant, officers discovered numerous computers and cellphones scattered throughout the property. As one officer attempted to power down a desktop machine, a graphic image of child erotica flashed on the screen — triggering an immediate shift in the investigation.

That discovery led to a second search warrant in May 2015, specifically targeting the seized electronics, including devices from a trailer where Thompson confirmed he was living. Forensic analysis by the Nebraska State Patrol uncovered approximately 6,000 images and videos of child pornography. Many depicted prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct — material investigators confirmed Thompson had accessed and downloaded via the internet.

Investigators determined the digital hoard was not accidental. Evidence showed deliberate searches, downloads, and storage across multiple platforms, indicating a pattern of predatory behavior. The sheer volume and nature of the material underscored the severity of Thompson’s crimes, pushing federal prosecutors to pursue maximum accountability under child exploitation laws.

The case was prosecuted under Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative launched in 2006 to combat the rising tide of online child sexual abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, the program integrates federal, state, and local efforts to identify, apprehend, and convict offenders — while also working to rescue victims hidden in the digital shadows.

The investigation was conducted jointly by the Nebraska City Police Department and the Nebraska State Patrol. U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Gilg emphasized that crimes of this nature will be met with full legal force. ‘The exploitation of children is not only a violation of law, but a betrayal of humanity,’ Gilg stated. ‘We will continue to pursue those who produce, distribute, or possess this vile material — and ensure they face justice.’