Lincoln Man Gets 7 Years for Child Pornography

Lincoln Man Sentenced for Receipt of Child Pornography

In a harsh verdict, 42-year-old David J. Ellis, formerly of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for receiving child pornography. According to the Department of Justice, US Attorney Susan Lehr announced the sentence on June 5, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln.

Ellis will spend no less than 7 years behind bars, with an additional 7-year term of supervised release after his release. He is also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution and $3,000 to a federal fund established to assist victims of child exploitation crimes.

The case began as an undercover operation involving peer-to-peer file sharing. From September 8, 2022, until October 3, 2022, an FBI agent observed an IP address associated with Ellis downloading multiple child pornography files. On December 14, 2022, a search warrant was executed on Ellis’ apartment in Lincoln, and numerous electronic devices were seized.

A review of Ellis’ devices revealed more than 10,276 image files and 11 video files depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This disturbing discovery led to Ellis’ indictment and eventual sentencing.

Ellis’ crime is a stark reminder of the ongoing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. As part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to combat this issue.

The investigation into Ellis’ activities was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in collaboration with local authorities. This case serves as a warning to those who would seek to exploit our children: the justice system will not hesitate to bring you to justice.