A former educator at an Idaho charter school faces federal charges involving the sexual exploitation of a young child, with a jury trial scheduled for early October.
Benjamin Thomas Simms, 35, previously worked as a paraprofessional and K-3 music teacher at American Heritage Charter School. He is no longer listed on the institution’s staff directory.
Federal Charges Filed After State Dismissals
Simms initially faced state charges in March for felony possession of child sexually explicit materials and lewd conduct with a minor. In April, prosecutors added three counts of lewd conduct with a child and three counts of producing child sexual abuse material.
State authorities dismissed those cases in June. Federal prosecutors subsequently filed new charges in late July, accusing Simms of sexual exploitation of a minor and distribution of child pornography.
Investigation Originates From Social Media Tip
The investigation began after Snapchat submitted a CyberTip to law enforcement. The tip included 15 pieces of media depicting explicit content involving a 4-year-old boy.
Investigators with Idaho’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force analyzed the videos and determined that facial features matched Simms. A search warrant executed at a residence in Shelley revealed locations consistent with those shown in the illicit material.
Court documents indicate Simms admitted to creating the content for the sexual gratification of individuals he communicated with on social media. He cited anxiety and boredom as motives for his actions.
Trial Dates Set
A pre-trial conference is scheduled for Oct. 6 at 4 p.m. The jury trial will commence on Oct. 10 at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. District Judge David C. Nye.
If convicted, Simms faces a maximum prison sentence of 50 years.