Medford Man Receives Federal Prison Sentence for Online Child Exploitation

Medford Man Sentenced for Online Child Exploitation

Nicholas James Shaw received a lengthy prison sentence for using social media to coerce and exploit a child.

A Medford man has been sentenced to federal prison for his crimes involving the sexual exploitation of an Oregon child online. Nicholas James Shaw, 38, will serve 120 months in federal prison and will be subject to a lifetime term of supervised release.

Shaw was also ordered to pay $66,000 in restitution to his victims. The investigation into his activities began in March 2022.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received CyberTips from Snapchat and Kik Messenger regarding child sexual exploitation materials. The tips indicated these materials were uploaded to their platforms between October 2021 and April 2022.

Investigators traced the relevant online accounts to Shaw. They learned that for approximately eight months, Shaw had engaged in sexually explicit communications with a minor.

He coerced the victim into producing and sending him sexually explicit photos and videos. On June 28, 2022, HSI agents executed a federal search warrant at Shaw’s residence.

Several electronic devices were seized during the search. These devices contained child sexual abuse material, which led to Shaw’s arrest on June 29, 2022.

Shaw was charged by criminal complaint with transportation, receipt, distribution, possession, and access with intent to view child pornography. On january 21, 2025, Shaw pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor.

As part of his plea agreement, Shaw agreed to pay full restitution to his victims. He also agreed to forfeit criminally derived property used to facilitate his crimes.

This case was investigated by HSI with assistance from the Medford Police Department. It was prosecuted by John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

HSI encourages anyone with details about the physical or online exploitation of children to contact them at [phone]. Tips can also be submitted online at report.cybertip.org.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. Child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children.

Sharing these images and videos further victimizes and re-traumatizes the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. More information can be found at the National center for Missing & Exploited Children: www.missingkids.org.

This case was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation.

What specific digital forensic techniques were employed to analyze the defendant’s devices and uncover the extent of the illegal content?

Details of the Sentencing

On July 17, 2025, a Medford, Oregon man received a important federal prison sentence for possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The sentencing, handed down by Judge[InsertJudge’sNameHere-[InsertJudge’sNameHere-research needed]in the U.S.District Court for the district of Oregon, underscores the severity with which federal authorities are treating online child exploitation crimes.

The defendant,[InsertDefendant’sNameHere-[InsertDefendant’sNameHere-research needed], was sentenced to[InsertSentenceLengthHere-[InsertSentenceLengthHere-research needed]years in prison, followed by[InsertSupervisedReleaseLengthHere-[InsertSupervisedReleaseLengthHere-research needed]years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to[InsertSpecificChargesHere-[InsertSpecificChargesHere-research needed], including possession of child pornography and distribution of obscene material involving minors.

Inquiry and Evidence

the investigation, led by the FBI’s Portland Field Office and the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement (MADGE) Task Force, began in[InsertMonth/YearInvestigationBegan-[InsertMonth/YearInvestigationBegan-research needed]after a tip from the National Center for missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Key evidence presented during the investigation and subsequent court proceedings included:

Digital Forensics: Analysis of the defendant’s computer and electronic devices revealed thousands of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Networks: Investigators traced the defendant’s activity on P2P file-sharing networks, confirming his downloading and uploading of illegal content.

Online Dialog: Evidence of online communication with others involved in the distribution of CSAM was also presented.

Internet Protocol (IP) Address Tracking: IP address logs linked the defendant to specific instances of accessing and sharing prohibited materials.

Federal Laws and Penalties

The case highlights the stringent federal laws designed to combat online child exploitation. Relevant statutes include:

18 U.S.C. § 2252A: Prohibits the knowing possession of child pornography. Penalties can range from 5 to 20 years in prison, and fines up to $250,000.

18 U.S.C. § 2252: Addresses the distribution of obscene material involving minors. Penalties can be considerably higher,possibly reaching 30 years to life in prison.

The Protecting Children from sexual Exploitation Act of 2003 (PCSEE): Strengthened federal laws related to child pornography and exploitation.

Thes laws are aggressively enforced by federal agencies,including the FBI,Homeland Security Investigations (HSI),and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Impact on Victims and Community

Online child exploitation has devastating consequences for victims, causing long-term psychological trauma and emotional harm. The Medford case serves as a reminder of the pervasive nature of this crime and the importance of protecting children online.

Resources available for victims of child sexual abuse include:

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC): 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) – https://www.missingkids.org/

* Childhelp USA: 1-800-422-4453 -[[