Idaho Pastor Arraigned On 13 Counts Of Child Exploitation

Pastor Appears in Court

Matthew Masiewicz, pastor of Sovereign Grace Fellowship in Nampa, appeared in Canyon County Court on Wednesday to face 13 criminal charges linked to child pornography possession and distribution. Prosecutors allege the incidents took place between March 21 and March 30, 2025.

Court filings state Masiewicz used the Kik messaging app to exchange illicit material and, in one instance, used artificial intelligence to generate an obscene image of a prepubescent child.

Bail and Court Orders

Judge John Meienhofer set bail at $2 million, warning of the severity of the allegations. He emphasized that Masiewicz’s position as a pastor placed him in a role of trust, making the accusations particularly disturbing.

“The images are horrific as described. This is not a situation where he should be getting out under any circumstances,” Judge Meienhofer said.

A no-contact order was issued for all minors under 18, with the exception of Masiewicz’s 17-year-old son.

Potential Penalties

If convicted, Masiewicz could face consecutive life sentences under Idaho law. The charges reflect both possession and solicitation of child exploitation material, which carry some of the harshest penalties in the state.

Next Steps

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 7, with Justice Ryan K. Dowell presiding. Sovereign Grace Fellowship has not provided public comment on the case.

Broader Context

This case highlights growing national concerns over the use of encrypted messaging apps and AI tools in the creation and distribution of child exploitation material. Law enforcement has warned that these technologies are increasingly being misused by offenders, complicating investigations and prosecutions.