Chad Joseph Longley, a former teacher from Boise, has been sentenced to 141 months in federal prison followed by 20 years of supervised release for receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit.
The Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force initiated the investigation after receiving a tip about Longley's possession of such material. Following the tip, investigators obtained a search warrant for Longley's residence and digital devices, where they found incriminating evidence. During an interview with law enforcement, Longley admitted to possessing the illegal content.
In July 2021, a grand jury charged Longley with possession of child pornography. While awaiting sentencing, further forensic examination of his digital devices revealed additional criminal activities dating back to around 2017. It was discovered that Longley had created a fake social media profile posing as a young female to deceive one of his former students into sending him child sexual abuse material.
In March 2024, he was indicted again for this additional conduct and subsequently entered into a plea agreement admitting guilt to receiving child pornography. A sentence of 141 months in prison with 20 years of supervised release was jointly recommended.
On February 4, 2025, Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill sentenced Longley to concurrent sentences: one for possession and another for receipt of child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Hurwit commented on the case stating: “The defendant’s actions in taking advantage of a former student are particularly heinous, and he deserves this lengthy prison sentence.” He praised the prosecutors and law enforcement partners involved in achieving justice.
Attorney General Raúl Labrador also expressed condemnation: “The actions of this former teacher are reprehensible,” adding gratitude towards those committed to protecting children from exploitation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Robins prosecuted the case which is part of Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation nationwide since May 2006.