El Paso Standard

A 39-year-old resident of Ellensburg, Aaron Dollarhide, received a 15-year federal prison sentence on March 26 following charges related to receipt of child pornography. The case was prompted by an investigation carried out by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Alongside his prison term, Dollarhide is subject to five years of supervised release. ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Murphy commented on the outcome, stating, "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."

The investigation began on January 19, 2022, when ICE HSI special agents and Ellensburg police executed a search warrant, during which they seized Dollarhide's phone. Forensic analysis of the device showed that Dollarhide had downloaded digital files containing child sexual abuse material the day before and discovered 687 additional videos of similar content on his phone.

Dollarhide's criminal record includes a previous conviction for second-degree child molestation in 2012. Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker emphasized the dedication to protecting vulnerable community members, stating, "Today’s sentence reflects our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and holding individuals accountable for exploiting children."

Federal prosecution of Dollarhide's case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Murphy. The legal actions emphasize the ongoing efforts by authorities to prosecute individuals exploiting minors, reflecting a continued focus on child safety.