A man from Ellensburg, Washington, Aaron Dollarhide, was sentenced on March 26 to 180 months in federal prison for receiving child pornography. The sentencing followed an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Dollarhide will also be subjected to five years of supervised release.
"This sentence marks a significant victory for our team and the community we serve," said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Murphy. "Our investigation, in close collaboration with local law enforcement, has exposed a predator who repeatedly endangered the lives of vulnerable children. We are steadfast in our commitment to pursue those who exploit minors, and we will continue to leverage every resource at our disposal to ensure that justice is served."
In January 2022, a search warrant at Dollarhide's home led ICE HSI agents and local police to seize his phone. The device was found to contain a recently downloaded folder with child sexual abuse material. Additionally, 687 videos depicting child sexual abuse were discovered.
Dollarhide had a prior conviction for second-degree child molestation in 2012. "Today’s sentence reflects our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and holding individuals accountable for exploiting children," commented acting United States Attorney Richard Barker. "Mr. Dollarhide’s actions of repeatedly downloading and possessing child pornography, despite a prior conviction for molesting a child, demonstrate a disturbing disregard for the safety and well-being of children. Our office will continue to pursue and prosecute those who exploit children, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that those who do harm young children will face the full consequences of their actions."
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Murphy was responsible for prosecuting the case.
