A 21-year-old man from Ashland, Nebraska, has been sentenced to prison following his conviction for receiving and distributing child pornography. Conner Chapman was handed a 120-month prison term along with a five-year supervised release period by U.S. Attorney Susan Lehr in federal court in Omaha.

Chapman’s conviction stemmed from an investigation initiated after Nebraska’s Internet Crimes Against Children task force received a Cypertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in November 2021. The tip pointed to five video files uploaded by a KIK user containing child pornography. Authorities traced the IP address used for uploading the files back to Chapman’s residence.

In September 2022, a search warrant was executed at Chapman’s home, resulting in the seizure of his phone. During an interview, Chapman admitted to viewing child pornography online. Subsequent analysis of his phone revealed 216 image files and 7 video files containing explicit material involving children.

Chapman’s sentencing includes the requirement to register as a sex offender upon his release. It is important to note that there is no provision for parole in the federal system, underscoring the severity of his conviction.

The case serves as a reminder of the continued efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat the proliferation of child exploitation materials online. Through collaborative efforts and technological resources, authorities remain vigilant in identifying and prosecuting individuals involved in such heinous crimes.

Chapman’s sentencing sends a clear message that those who engage in the dissemination of child pornography will face significant legal consequences, emphasizing the importance of protecting the most vulnerable members of society from exploitation and abuse.