Joshua D. Hurwit U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho
Chase Phillip Hornaday, a 41-year-old resident of Ammon, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for distributing child sexual abuse material. This announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit.
The investigation began in November 2023 when the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received reports regarding Hornaday's activities. A search warrant executed on an online file-sharing account linked to him revealed over 60 images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Additional evidence showed that Hornaday had exchanged such material with others online. In January 2024, a search of his home led to the recovery of a cell phone containing another 300 images.
Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill ordered Hornaday to be placed on supervised release for five years after his prison term and mandated him to pay $27,000 in restitution. Hornaday will also be required to register as a sex offender following his guilty plea on October 23, 2024.
“Another Idaho community is safer because of the teamwork between federal law enforcement, the ICAC Task Force, and local sheriff’s offices and police departments,” stated U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “We will continue to spare no effort to find and prosecute those who possess or distribute child sexual abuse material.”
Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Murphy commented, “The sentence reflects the serious nature of child exploitation and sends a clear message that those who prey on the most vulnerable members of our society will be held accountable.” He emphasized that investigating these crimes remains a priority for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Attorney General Raúl Labrador expressed gratitude towards ICAC investigators: “This sentence represents the hard work of ICAC’s investigators,” he said. “I’m grateful for the continued commitment of every participating agency to keep our kids safe from abuse and exploitation.”
U.S. Attorney Hurwit acknowledged contributions from various law enforcement bodies including Homeland Security Investigations in Idaho Falls, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Falls Police Department, and the Idaho ICAC Task Force in this case prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Paskett.
This case forms part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation nationwide.
