Former Nampa pastor sentenced for child porn crimes

Matthew Masiewicz, 53, pleaded guilty to five of the 13 charges he faced and was sentenced to 17 years in prison.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:37pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken, cracked smartphone screen reflecting a faint blue light, conceptually representing the digital evidence of child exploitation crimes.The harsh, gritty evidence of a former pastor's involvement in the child pornography trade casts a dark shadow over the community.Nampa Today

Matthew Masiewicz, a former senior pastor of Sovereign Grace Fellowship in Nampa, Idaho, was sentenced to 17 years in prison for child pornography crimes. Masiewicz pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing it. He told the court, 'I deny nothing. I deny nothing,' and said the 'sin has ruined my life' but that he is committed to never doing it again.

Why it matters

The case highlights the issue of child exploitation and the role of religious leaders in such crimes. Masiewicz's position as a pastor made his crimes particularly egregious, as he was entrusted to provide moral guidance to his community. This sentencing sends a strong message that such abuses of power and trust will be severely punished.

The details

Masiewicz was originally charged with 13 counts of child pornography, including six counts of distribution, six counts of possession, and one count of using AI to create visual representations of child porn. As part of a plea deal, he pleaded guilty to four counts of distribution and one of possession, with the other charges dismissed. Prosecutors argued that Masiewicz displayed a 'victim mentality' and initially denied some of the evidence found on his devices, but eventually took responsibility, saying 'I deny nothing.' The judge sentenced him to 17 years, with 5 years fixed and 12 years either in prison or on parole.

  • Masiewicz was arrested in September on the child pornography charges.
  • In February, Masiewicz entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors.
  • On April 2, 2026, Masiewicz was sentenced by the Canyon County 3rd District Judge Brent Whiting.

The players

Matthew Masiewicz

A 53-year-old former senior pastor of Sovereign Grace Fellowship in Nampa, Idaho, who pleaded guilty to child pornography crimes and was sentenced to 17 years in prison.

Gregory Swanson

The Canyon County Deputy Prosecutor who argued that Masiewicz displayed a 'victim mentality' and was not just a passive viewer but actively participated in sharing child pornography.

Brent Whiting

The Canyon County 3rd District Judge who sentenced Masiewicz to 17 years in prison, stating that Masiewicz's acknowledgment of responsibility was 'valuable' for his rehabilitation.

Clarissa Greensmyth

Masiewicz's defense attorney, who argued that her client had fallen into a pornography addiction and was 'deeply remorseful for his actions.'

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What they’re saying

“I deny nothing. I deny nothing.”

— Matthew Masiewicz, Former Pastor

“He adopted something of a victim mentality during the presentence investigation. He repeatedly shared concerns that the court would make an example out of him because of his profession or his status as a public figure.”

— Gregory Swanson, Canyon County Deputy Prosecutor

“It's not just that the defendant was downloading or viewing child pornography, it's that he was actually participating in sharing that with other people. He wasn't just a passive viewer of this business that exploits children. He helped supply this media to other people.”

— Gregory Swanson, Canyon County Deputy Prosecutor

“I tried to live my whole life in an upright way, but I had one area where I was weak and fell, and it was in the area of sexual sin... This sin has ruined my life. I am committed to never doing this again.”

— Matthew Masiewicz, Former Pastor

What’s next

The judge's sentence of 17 years, with 5 years fixed and 12 years either in prison or on parole, will now go into effect. Masiewicz will have the opportunity to appeal the sentence if he chooses to do so.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious consequences for religious leaders who abuse their positions of trust and engage in the exploitation of children. It serves as a stark reminder that no one is above the law when it comes to protecting the vulnerable, and that those who commit such egregious crimes will be held accountable.