Richard Hammond, a Caldwell attorney, received a ten-year prison sentence for child sexual exploitation crimes. The sentencing took place on October 30, 2024, under the authority of Canyon County District Judge Thomas Whitney. This decision follows an in-depth investigation by the Attorney General's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit.
The investigation revealed that Hammond used a BitTorrent network to access and distribute child sexual abuse material. During the sentencing hearing, Meridian Police Detective Jim Bohr, part of the ICAC Unit, explained how BitTorrent networks function in sharing such material. Additionally, ICAC Forensic Examiner Chris Hardin testified about the discovery of thousands of files depicting child sexual abuse on Hammond's electronic devices.
Deputy Attorney General Madison Allen advocated for a ten-year sentence to reflect the severity of the offenses. The proposed sentence included eligibility for parole after four years. Judge Whitney ultimately sentenced Hammond to ten years with four years fixed and six years indeterminate. Post-release, Hammond will be required to register as a sex offender according to Idaho law.
Idaho ICAC Commander Nicholas Edwards expressed gratitude towards Judge Whitney for his dedication to this complex case: “We’re grateful for the time and attention the judge gave to this case,” Edwards said. He praised Detective Bohr and Forensic Examiner Hardin for their commitment and expertise in handling these challenging investigations.
Deputy Attorneys General Madison Allen and Ingrid Batey prosecuted the case.