Dakota S. Smith, Receipt of Child Pornography, Nebraska 2020

A former Lincoln man is behind bars after being sentenced for his role in a disturbing child pornography case.

Dakota S. Smith, 27, of Red Oak, Iowa, was sentenced to 76 months in prison for his crime. The sentence, handed down by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard, will be followed by an 8-year term of supervised release.

Smith was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $9,000. There is no parole in the federal system.

The investigation into Smith’s activities was sparked by a tip from agents with the United States Department of Homeland Security. The agents received information that Smith had shared child pornography over the internet, leading to a search warrant being executed at his residence on June 4, 2020.

During the search, electronic devices belonging to Smith were found, and images and videos depicting child pornography were discovered on those devices. The disturbing content, which portrayed victims under the age of 12, is a stark reminder of the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Approximately 95% of the child pornography found on Smith’s devices showed victims under the age of 12, with about 25% of the material showing victims who were infants or toddlers. The horrific nature of the content is a testament to the need for continued efforts in combating this heinous crime.

The Nebraska State Patrol and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office contributed substantially to the investigation, which was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006. The project marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

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