Previously convicted sex offender sentenced to federal prison for child pornography charges, following ICE investigation

YAKIMA, Wash. — A 39-year-old man from Ellensburg was sentenced March 26 to 180 months in prison on one count of receipt of child pornography, following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Aaron Dollarhide will also serve five years of supervised release.

“This sentence marks a significant victory for our team and the community we serve. Our investigation, in close collaboration with local law enforcement, has exposed a predator who repeatedly endangered the lives of vulnerable children,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Murphy. “We are steadfast in our commitment to pursue those who exploit minors, and we will continue to leverage every resource at our disposal to ensure that justice is served.”

On Jan. 19, 2022, special agents with ICE HSI and Ellensburg police officers seized Dollarhide’s phone after serving a search warrant at his home. A thorough forensic examination of the device revealed Dollarhide had downloaded a folder of digital files containing child sexual abuse material the day prior. Investigators also located 687 additional videos on Dollarhide’s phone depicting children being sexually abused.

Dollarhide was previously convicted of second-degree child molestation in 2012.

“Today’s sentence reflects our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and holding individuals accountable for exploiting children,” said acting United States Attorney Richard Barker. “Mr. Dollarhide’s actions of repeatedly downloading and possessing child pornography, despite a prior conviction for molesting a child, demonstrate a disturbing disregard for the safety and well-being of children. Our office will continue to pursue and prosecute those who exploit children, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that those who do harm young children will face the full consequences of their actions.”

Assistant United States Attorney Michael Murphy prosecuted the case.