23-year-old Rexburg man charged with distribution of child pornography

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — A 23-year-old Rexburg man, William S. Messer, has been charged with two felony counts of distribution of child sexually exploitative material (child pornography) following an mutli-month Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation.

The investigation began on Feb. 11 after the Rexburg Police Department received a CyberTip from the Idaho Attorney General's Office ICAC Task Force.

On Wednesday, May 20, detectives executed a search warrant at Messer's apartment near 5th West and University Blvd. Following a search of the residence and subsequent follow-up investigation, Rexburg police took Messer into custody.

Messer was arraigned in Madison County Court on May 21st. If convicted on the felony charges, Messer faces a maximum of 30 years in state prison and a possible fine of up to $50,000.

The operation involved a massive multi-agency effort. Rexburg police were assisted by the Madison County Sheriff's Office, Idaho Falls Police Department, Bonneville County Sheriff's Office, the Idaho ICAC Task Force, the Rocky Mountain Information Network (RMIN), the Madison County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, and the Idaho Attorney General's Office.

In a news release, Rexburg PD highlighted the inter-agency partnership that led to the arrest.

"Cases involving the exploitation of children are taken extremely seriously, and this investigation highlights the strong partnership between local, state, and regional agencies working together to protect vulnerable individuals."