Shawn Chase Cody Gets 80 Years for Child Porn Crimes

POCATELLO — Shawn Chase Cody, 41, of Pocatello, Idaho, is headed to federal prison for 960 months — effectively a life sentence — after being convicted of producing and possessing child pornography. U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced the sentence today, marking the end of a grim investigation that exposed years of abuse and digital exploitation.

Court records reveal the horror began as early as 2013, with Cody sexually abusing multiple children over a six-year span. In August 2019, investigators received a critical lead: victims disclosed that Cody had filmed his crimes. Those videos — graphic evidence of predatory abuse — were stored on his personal phone and computer. The digital trail led directly to his arrest.

When federal and local agents raided Cody’s home, they didn’t just find evidence of production. They uncovered a digital archive of depravity: 2,259 still images and 53 videos of child pornography downloaded from the internet. Every file represented another child victimized, another life shattered by exploitation. Cody’s devices became crime scenes in their own right.

“Today’s sentence, which is effectively a life sentence, should send a message that my office and our law enforcement partners will aggressively prosecute predators who prey upon children,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “While nothing can fully repair the damage done by the defendant, I hope that this sentence provides a measure of peace to the brave victims in this case.”

Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), who oversees operations in the Pacific Northwest, emphasized the broader warning: “This 80-year sentence serves as notice to Idaho communities that HSI agents will use every investigative tool available to stop child predators like Mr. Cody. The perpetual vigilance of both the community and law enforcement will remain necessary pieces in the fight against anyone who may try to exploit children.”

Sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Billy Roy Wilson in the Eastern District of Arkansas, Cody also received a lifetime of supervised release following his prison term. He pleaded guilty on October 7, 2021. The case was part of Project Safe Childhood, a DOJ initiative launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation. HSI Idaho Falls and the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office collaborated on the investigation, a partnership that brought a predator to justice — and may help prevent future victimization.