Saul Salazar-Leon, 46, of Mexico, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for the crime of receiving child pornography, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced on May 11.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address crimes involving the exploitation of children and underscores the seriousness with which such offenses are prosecuted.
According to court records, a woman discovered a hidden camera in her Idaho home’s bathroom used by her 12-year-old daughter in December 2024. She confronted Salazar-Leon after suspecting him of secretly recording her daughter. Salazar-Leon admitted making a mistake and asked her not to notify authorities. Law enforcement began an investigation based on her report and searched Salazar-Leon's residence, where they found a USB drive containing hidden recordings of child pornography. He was arrested shortly after; an SD card with additional illegal recordings was found in his pocket at that time.
Chief U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford ordered Salazar-Leon to serve 15 years of supervised release following his prison sentence. He pleaded guilty on January 7, 2026 and will be required to register as a sex offender as part of his conviction.
"U.S. Attorney Davis made the announcement and commended the work of Nampa Police Department, which led to the charges." Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Robins prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse through coordinated federal, state, and local resources.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho functions under federal authority prosecuting cases across Idaho’s main cities and rural areas with about sixty staff members including assistant attorneys and paralegals according to the official website.
