Former Nampa Pastor Sentenced for Child Exploitation Crimes

The 53-year-old man pleaded guilty to distributing and possessing child sexually exploitative material.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a computer hard drive or digital storage device lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the digital evidence at the heart of this child exploitation case.The sentencing of a former pastor for child exploitation crimes exposes the dark underbelly of abuse of power and trust.Nampa Today

A former pastor in Nampa, Idaho named Matthew Masiewicz was sentenced to prison on Thursday for distribution and possession of child sexually exploitative material. Masiewicz pleaded guilty to three counts of knowingly distributing child sexually exploitative material and one count of willfully possessing or accessing such material as part of a plea deal. He was originally charged with 13 felony counts related to child pornography, but the remaining charges were dismissed.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of child exploitation crimes, especially those involving religious leaders who are in positions of trust and authority. The sentencing of Masiewicz sends a strong message that such crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The details

According to the probable cause affidavit, Masiewicz was arrested in September 2025 after the Idaho Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit was notified about files of child pornography that were sent over the messaging app Kik. ICAC officials traced the email address, username, and IP addresses back to Masiewicz and the Sovereign Grace Fellowship church, where he was a pastor. Investigators also received alleged chat logs under the username "GeneralAbner" that referenced using AI to alter images of women to make them look younger.

  • Masiewicz was arrested in September 2025.
  • Masiewicz entered guilty pleas in early February 2026.
  • Masiewicz was sentenced on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

The players

Matthew Masiewicz

A 53-year-old former pastor in Nampa, Idaho who pleaded guilty to three counts of distributing and one count of possessing child sexually exploitative material.

Idaho Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit

The law enforcement unit that investigated the child pornography case against Masiewicz and traced the digital evidence back to him.

Sovereign Grace Fellowship

The church in Nampa, Idaho where Masiewicz was a pastor and was immediately removed from leadership following his arrest.

Judge Brent Whiting

The Canyon County 3rd District Judge who accepted Masiewicz's plea deal and sentenced him to prison.

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What’s next

The Idaho Department of Correction will take custody of Masiewicz to serve his concurrent sentences of 17 years, with 5 years fixed and 12 indeterminate, for the child exploitation crimes.

The takeaway

The sentencing of former pastor Matthew Masiewicz to prison for distributing and possessing child sexually exploitative material demonstrates that those in positions of trust and authority will be held accountable for such egregious crimes against children. This case underscores the critical need for continued vigilance and action to combat the scourge of child exploitation.