Nathanial A. Lazanis, a 43-year-old resident of Omaha, Nebraska, has been sentenced to 130 months in federal prison for distributing child pornography. Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced the sentencing, which took place on April 30, 2025, before United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher. Following his imprisonment, Lazanis will undergo a five-year supervised release period and is required to pay $3,000 in restitution to each of three identified victims.
The case originated from an investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) on September 25, 2023. An NSP investigator used BitTorrent investigative software to identify offenders sharing child pornography online. The investigator connected to a device at Lazanis's address and downloaded files containing child pornography that were made available by Lazanis's device. The IP address linked back to his residence in Omaha.
On October 24, 2023, NSP executed a search warrant at Lazanis's home and seized his electronic devices for examination. During questioning, Lazanis admitted using the BitTorrent network to download child pornography. Investigators discovered that his computer was actively downloading such material during their search. Forensic analysis revealed that Lazanis possessed at least 3,828 images and 256 videos of child pornography involving prepubescent children and other illegal content.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program coordinates efforts among federal, state, and local agencies to locate and prosecute individuals who exploit children online while identifying and rescuing victims.
The Nebraska State Patrol conducted the investigation leading to this case.