PRESTON, Idaho — A 34-year-old Franklin County, Idaho man has been arrested on multiple child pornography charges, according to law enforcement. Michael Thomas Baird was booked Tuesday, Aug. 20 into the Cache County Jail.
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador said investigators with the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force arrested Baird following a multi-agency investigation.
“I’m consistently proud of the work our ICAC Task Force does to protect kids across Idaho,” said Attorney General Labrador. “The number and diversity of agencies that have partnered and assisted us continues to grow. I’m glad we can count on so many different organizations when it comes to keeping predators out of our communities.”
The Idaho ICAC Task Force is a coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies who investigate and prosecute individuals who use the internet to criminally exploit children.
Agencies that assisted in Baird’s arrest include the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Falls Police Department, Pocatello Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Preston Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Department of Corrections Probation and Parole (District 6), Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and the Idaho State Brand Inspector.
According to court records, Baird made an initial appearance Wednesday in Franklin County Magistrate Court. He was charged with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a child.
Judge Eric Hunn scheduled a preliminary hearing for Aug. 28, when prosecutors will present their evidence in the case.
Baird remains in jail, being held without bail. He could face more than 10 years in prison, if convicted.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.