On February 13, 2025, Nicholas James Thieschafer from Spokane Valley, Washington, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison by United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice. The charges were related to the production and attempted production of child sexual abuse material. Alongside the prison sentence, Judge Rice imposed a life term of supervised release and ordered Thieschafer to pay over $63,000 in restitution to his victims.

Court documents revealed that in February 2023, a minor reported being sexually abused by Thieschafer, who allegedly used his phone to take pictures during the abuse. A search warrant executed at Thieschafer's home led investigators to seize several electronic devices containing 3,300 image and video files of child sexual abuse material. Among these were 877 files depicting the child who initially came forward. Some videos clearly identified Thieschafer as the perpetrator.

Acting U.S. Attorney Rich Barker stated, "Those who prey on innocent children will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law." He emphasized that protecting vulnerable communities in Eastern Washington remains a top priority for his office.

Matthew Murphy, Acting Special Agent in Charge at ICE HSI, remarked on the case: "Thanks to the relentless efforts of our special agents, criminal analysts, and law enforcement partners, Mr. Thieschafer will be held accountable for his heinous crimes." He highlighted HSI's commitment to protecting children from exploitation and abuse.

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Washington State Patrol, and Spokane Police Department under the Eastern Washington Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF), an affiliate of Washington State Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC). Assistant United States Attorney Ann T. Wick prosecuted the case.