Matthew R. Molsen United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska | U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska
Michael Scott, a 60-year-old resident of Murray, Nebraska, has been sentenced to 300 months in federal prison for the distribution of child pornography. United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced the sentence, which was handed down by United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis on May 8, 2025. After completing his prison term, Scott will be subject to a 10-year period of supervised release and is required to pay $69,000 in restitution.
The case began when the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) received a cybertip from Discord regarding a user uploading files depicting alleged child pornography. An NSP investigator verified that these images were indeed child pornography and traced the phone number linked to the cybertip back to Scott's residence in Murray.
A search warrant for Scott's Discord account revealed additional instances of child pornography distribution. Investigators discovered at least seven images uploaded to the account, including those initially reported in the cybertip.
During a search of Scott’s home, authorities seized 14 electronic devices. Examination of his cellphone uncovered over 19,800 photos and more than 5,100 videos of child pornography. Other devices contained an additional 200 photos. Investigators also found evidence on Discord where Scott shared at least one image with another user on January 9, 2024, and uploaded four files on January 17, 2024.
In an interview conducted at his residence with his consent, Scott acknowledged ownership of the Discord account and admitted using his cell phone for viewing and trading child pornography.
This prosecution was part of Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice initiative launched in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The program involves collaboration between U.S. Attorney’s Offices and other law enforcement entities to identify offenders and rescue victims.
The investigation was carried out by Omaha FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force alongside the Nebraska State Patrol.
