POCATELLO – In a disturbing case of child exploitation, Lex Bennett Goodwin, 34, has been convicted of producing and possessing child pornography. The verdict, handed down by a federal jury in Pocatello, Idaho, marks a significant victory for law enforcement and advocates fighting against the scourge of child sexual abuse.
According to court records, the investigation began in September 2017 after Google reported the uploading of child pornography to a Google account. An agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) obtained a federal search warrant for the Google account, which revealed that the account belonged to Goodwin. The agent located several sexually explicit images of a 16-month-old child that Goodwin had produced.
The investigation further revealed that Goodwin had attempted to produce sexually explicit images of a 6-year-old child and possessed numerous other files of child pornography. The charges against Goodwin include five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, transportation of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
Each of the five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor is punishable by 15 to 30 years in prison. The charge of transportation of child pornography is punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Each charge is also punishable by a fine of up to $250,000, and 5 to a lifetime of supervised release.
Goodwin was also convicted of a sentencing enhancement for committing the crimes while he was already required to register as a sex offender. This enhancement carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison to be served consecutively to the other counts.
Sentencing is set for August 12, 2019, before Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye at the federal courthouse in Pocatello.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations in Idaho Falls and the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. It was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Key Facts
- State: Idaho
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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