Attorney General Raúl Labrador has confirmed the conviction of Michael Thomas Baird, 35, on two counts of sexual exploitation of a child by possession of sexually exploitative material. This offense is classified as a felony with a potential prison sentence of up to ten years. District Judge Cody L. Brower sentenced Baird on March 13, 2025.
"Removing these predators from our communities is a top priority for our office," stated Attorney General Labrador. "Our ICAC prosecutors and investigators work tirelessly to deliver justice for these tragically young victims of abuse. I’m continually grateful for the broad partnerships that have been built across the state to protect kids and put these offenders behind bars."
The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit received a CyberTip in July 2024, indicating that an account linked to Baird had uploaded files containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). A search warrant was executed at Baird's residence on August 20, 2024, leading to the seizure of several digital devices. Forensic examiners found numerous CSAM files depicting predominantly female children aged between three and eleven years old engaged in sex acts with adults. At the time of his arrest, Baird was on probation for felony aggravated assault and felony malicious injury to property.
Judge Brower imposed a fifteen-year prison sentence on Baird, who will be eligible for parole after five years and must register as a sex offender under Idaho law.
Deputy Attorney General James Haws prosecuted the case, while Korey Payne from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office served as the lead investigator within the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit. The successful prosecution resulted from collaborative efforts led by the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit with support from various state law enforcement agencies including the Preston Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Fish and Game, and Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.