Southern Idaho Teacher Arrested on Child Exploitation Charges

Authorities say the charges are not connected to the teacher's employment at a charter school in Idaho Falls.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:25am

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A 34-year-old teacher named Benjamin Simms has been arrested in Bingham County, Idaho on charges related to the alleged exploitation of a child. Simms was employed as a teacher at a charter school in Idaho Falls at the time of his arrest, but authorities stated the charges are not connected to his employment and that there is no evidence any students were victimized.

Why it matters

Child exploitation cases involving teachers are deeply concerning as they represent a breach of trust and can have lasting impacts on victims. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to investigate and prosecute internet crimes against children, which remain a priority in Idaho.

The details

Simms was arrested on March 12 and faces one count of possession of child sexual exploitation material and one count of lewd and lascivious conduct. The Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit led the investigation, with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies across eastern Idaho.

  • Simms was arrested on March 12, 2026.
  • The charges were announced by the Idaho Attorney General's Office on March 18, 2026.

The players

Benjamin Simms

A 34-year-old man from Bingham County, Idaho who was employed as a teacher at a charter school in Idaho Falls at the time of his arrest.

Raúl Labrador

The Idaho Attorney General who announced the charges against Simms and praised the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation.

Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit

A statewide task force of federal, state, and local agencies that investigates and prosecutes internet crimes involving the exploitation of children.

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What they’re saying

“I'm grateful to our law enforcement partners across eastern Idaho who helped with this arrest and share our commitment to keeping Idaho families safe.”

— Raúl Labrador, Idaho Attorney General

What’s next

The judge will determine whether to grant bail for Benjamin Simms at a hearing scheduled for March 25, 2026.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to investigate and prosecute internet crimes against children, which remain a top priority in Idaho. It also highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between schools, families, and authorities to protect vulnerable youth.