POCATELLO, Idaho — A Pocatello sex offender who created child pornography of a 6-year-old girl and a 16-month-old girl has been convicted of sexual exploitation.
A federal jury returned the verdict against 34-year-old Lex Bennett Goodwin on Thursday, unanimously finding him guilty of five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, transportation of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. He was also convicted of a sentencing enhancement for committing the crimes while he was already required to register as a sex offender.
Law enforcement began investigating Goodwin in September 2017 after Google reported that sexual images of a child had been uploaded to a Google account. A Homeland Security agent was able to get a warrant for the account, and learned it belonged to Goodwin.
Goodwin is a registered sex offender who was convicted in 2008 of felony battery with intent to commit rape.
A search of Goodwin's Google account turned up multiple sexual photos of the 16-month-old girl. During additional searches of the suspect's cell phone and a second Google account belonging to him, investigators found more pornographic images of the toddler as well as evidence that Goodwin had tried to take explicit photos of a 6-year-old as well.
Investigators say Goodwin knew both girls, but their connection to him is unclear. He faces at least 25 years in prison at his Aug. 12 sentencing.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security and the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
