For Immediate Release
September 25, 2026
Media Contact: Dan Estes
BOISE, ID — Attorney General Raúl Labrador has announced that Michael W. Arnold, Jr., 43, was convicted of two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child by Possession of Sexually Exploitative Material (Child Pornography) and one count of Enticing a Child Through Use of the Internet. Possession of Sexually Exploitative Material is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Enticement is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Arnold was sentenced on September 22, 2026 by Latah County District Judge Megan Marshall.
In June 2025, Probation and Parole with the Idaho Department of Correction received information that Arnold was chatting with a minor female child that appeared to be located in Maine. The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit assisted Probation and Parole with a search of Arnold’s phone and other devices. A trove of chats between Arnold and multiple juveniles was found. Evidence revealed Arnold was requesting photos or videos of self-inflicted physical punishment from underage females in exchange for financial incentives. Arnold also had multiple files of child sexual abuse material located on his phone. The review of these files revealed children from approximately 6 years old to 16 years old.
“Protecting Idaho families from child predators is a fundamental priority, and these horrible crimes reflect the importance of getting these criminals out of our communities,” said Attorney General Labrador. “This sentence reflects the relentless work of my prosecutors and the growing network of law enforcement partners across Idaho and the nation committed to protecting kids from those who would exploit them.”
Judge Marshall imposed a unified sentence of 22 years with 7 years fixed and 15 years indeterminate. Upon release, Arnold will have to register as a sex offender pursuant to Idaho law.
This case was prosecuted by Deputy Attorneys General Baeley Hathaway and Madison Gourley. The case was investigated by Lawrence Mowery with the Moscow Police Department. The ICAC investigation was assisted by Probation and Parole, the Latah County Sheriff’s Office, and Bucksport Police Department in Maine.
Anyone with information regarding the exploitation of children is encouraged to contact local police, the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit at 208-947-8700, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.
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About Raúl Labrador
Raúl Labrador is the 33rd Attorney General of Idaho. The Office of the Attorney General provides legal representation for the State of Idaho. This representation is furnished to state agencies, offices and boards in the furtherance of the state's legal interests. The office is part of state government’s executive branch and its duties are laid out in the Idaho Constitution.
