Rigby Couple Indicted for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Child
Pocatello, ID – In a shocking turn of events, a federal grand jury has indicted a Rigby couple for their alleged involvement in the sexual exploitation of a minor child.
Joseph Lavern Harris, 30, and Elizabeth Dawn Evans, 27, were charged on March 27, 2018, for one count of sexual exploitation of a minor child. The indictment alleges that the couple knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed or coerced a minor child to take part in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that conduct.
The indictment also calls for the forfeiture of real and personal property associated with the offense. Harris and Evans made their initial appearance on the charge on March 30, 2018, where they entered not guilty pleas. Trial is set for June 4, 2018, before Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill, at the federal courthouse in Pocatello.
According to the indictment, the alleged crimes took place between December 2017, and February 25, 2018. The charge of sexual exploitation of a minor child is punishable by a minimum 15 years in prison, up to 30 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to a lifetime of supervised release.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. An indictment is a means of charging a person with criminal activity. It is not evidence. The person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
Key Facts
- State: Idaho
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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