Lewiston Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation

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A 35-year-old Lewiston, Idaho man named Michael Benjamin Hendren has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to attempted sexual exploitation of a child. Hendren was caught communicating with undercover investigators posing as minors and attempting to persuade them to produce sexually explicit material.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat online child exploitation and the serious consequences faced by those who seek to take advantage of minors. It also underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between various jurisdictions to identify and prosecute these types of crimes.

The details

According to court records, the investigation began in May 2024 when investigators with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office in Colorado were operating undercover social media accounts posing as minors. Authorities say Hendren contacted two of those accounts and repeatedly requested sexually explicit images while sending explicit images of himself. Hendren also communicated with an undercover investigator from the Evesham Township Police Department in New Jersey, as well as a 15-year-old girl, again attempting to persuade them to produce sexually explicit material.

• The investigation began in May 2024.
• Hendren was sentenced on March 13, 2026.

What’s next

Hendren will serve 10 years of supervised release following his 15-year prison sentence and must register as a sex offender.