70-Year-Old North Idaho Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Child Porn Possession

Gary Tym Fugate convicted of sexual exploitation of children by possession of sexually exploitative material

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A 70-year-old Coeur d'Alene, Idaho man named Gary Tym Fugate has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted of possessing child sexual abuse material. Authorities began investigating Fugate in May 2025 after receiving a Cybertip indicating he was accessing child pornography, and a search of his computer found evidence that he had possessed numerous images depicting child pornography.

Why it matters

Crimes involving the exploitation of children are taken extremely seriously by law enforcement and prosecutors, as they cause immense harm to vulnerable victims. This case highlights the ongoing efforts to identify and prosecute individuals who engage in the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.

The details

After receiving a Cybertip in May 2025 indicating that Fugate was accessing child pornography, authorities obtained a search warrant and searched his computer, where they found evidence that he had possessed numerous images depicting child sexual abuse. Fugate was convicted of sexual exploitation of children by possession of sexually exploitative material, a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

  • Authorities began investigating Fugate in May 2025 after receiving a Cybertip.
  • Fugate was sentenced on February 17, 2026.

The players

Gary Tym Fugate

A 70-year-old Coeur d'Alene, Idaho man who was convicted of possessing child sexual abuse material.

Molly Nivison

A deputy prosecuting attorney who recommended a 10-year unified prison sentence for Fugate.

Regina McCrea

The district judge who imposed a 10-year prison sentence on Fugate with parole eligibility after three years.

Stanley T. Mortensen

The Kootenai County prosecuting attorney who thanked the deputy prosecuting attorneys and law enforcement for their work on the case.

Shannon Jackson

A deputy prosecuting attorney who helped prosecute the case against Fugate.

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What they’re saying

“We will continue to prosecute cases involving the exploitation of children to help protect victims and seek justice for children and their families.”

— Stanley T. Mortensen, Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney (dailyfly.com)

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and prosecutors to identify and hold accountable individuals who engage in the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, which causes immense harm to vulnerable victims. The 10-year prison sentence imposed on Fugate sends a strong message that these crimes will be met with significant consequences.