Child Predator Laney Sentenced to 35 Years for Child Porn

MINNEAPOLIS – The grim reaper of innocence, Scott Wayne Laney, was today met with the iron fist of justice for his heinous act of producing child pornography. The 47-year-old predator was sentenced to 420 months—35 years—in a federal prison by U.S. District Judge Donavan W. Frank.

Court documents paint a harrowing picture of Laney’s sexual abuse of a minor victim under the age of 13, from summer 2023 until January 2024. The images and videos he created were then distributed online, further inflicting harm on his innocent prey.

Laney has a dark past that includes a first-degree criminal sexual conduct conviction in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota, for digitally penetrating an 11-month-old infant. His latest sentence serves as a stark reminder of the severe penalties meted out to those who prey on our most vulnerable citizens.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson emphasized the high recidivism rate among sex offenders, singling out Laney as one of the most dangerous predators. “Laney is a predator in the purest and most dangerous sense,” Thompson said. “We will not allow repeat abusers to cycle through our system.”

The sentencing was met with strong support from law enforcement agencies, including the BCA, FBI, and Meeker County Sherriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruth Shnider prosecuted the case with unwavering determination.

“Scott Laney’s long history of predatory behavior ends today,” said FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. “Children in our community must be protected from abhorrent actions like those committed by Laney.” Minnesota’s children have been issued a solemn warning: Abuse them, and face the full force of federal justice.