On February 13, 2025, Nicholas James Thieschafer from Spokane Valley, Washington, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison by United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice. The charges against the 31-year-old involved the production and attempted production of child sexual abuse material. In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Rice imposed a life term of supervised release and ordered restitution exceeding $63,000 to be paid to Thieschafer’s victims.
Court documents revealed that in February 2023, a minor reported that Thieschafer had been sexually abusing them and using his phone to take pictures. During a search of Thieschafer’s home, law enforcement seized electronic devices containing 3,300 image and video files of child sexual abuse material. Among these were 877 files depicting the child who initially disclosed the abuse. Videos were found where Thieschafer was clearly identifiable as the perpetrator.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rich Barker stated, “Those who prey on innocent children will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” He emphasized the priority of protecting vulnerable communities in Eastern Washington and praised the efforts of prosecutors and law enforcement partners.
Matthew Murphy, ICE HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge, commended the work of special agents and criminal analysts: “Thanks to the relentless efforts of our special agents, criminal analysts, and law enforcement partners, Mr. Thieschafer will be held accountable for his heinous crimes.” He highlighted HSI's ongoing mission to protect children from exploitation and abuse.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security, Washington State Patrol, and Spokane Police Department under the Eastern Washington Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF), affiliated with Washington State Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC). Assistant United States Attorney Ann T. Wick prosecuted this case.