Lewiston Man Charged with Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Videos

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 23-year-old Lewiston, Idaho man named Laith Andrew Aaseby has been charged with five felony counts of sexual exploitation of a child following an investigation by the Idaho Attorney General's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Lewiston Police Department, and the FBI. Authorities executed a search warrant at Aaseby's residence and seized a cellphone and laptop, allegedly finding multiple files containing child sexual abuse material, including videos depicting the sexual assault of infants.

Why it matters

Crimes involving the exploitation and abuse of children are among the most serious and disturbing offenses, with far-reaching impacts on victims, families, and communities. This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to identify and apprehend individuals suspected of possessing or distributing such illicit content.

The details

According to court documents, investigators obtained a residential search warrant after Aaseby was identified as the alleged owner or user of an online account linked to material reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's CyberTipline. During the search, officers seized Aaseby's cellphone and laptop, and an initial forensic review reportedly uncovered multiple files believed to contain child sexual abuse material, including videos depicting the sexual assault of infants.

• The search warrant was executed on February 11, 2026.
• Aaseby was arrested and transported to the Nez Perce County Jail on February 12, 2026.

What’s next

Aaseby is expected to make his initial court appearance on Thursday afternoon, where a judge will determine whether to allow him to be released on bail.