A 42-year-old man from Illinois has been brought to Jefferson County after authorities allege he used social media to sexually exploit a 13-year-old girl, according to court records obtained by East Idaho News.
Jared Lee Depoister was arrested on Sept. 3 and booked into the Jefferson County Jail in Rigby. He faces a felony charge of enticing a child over the internet, a crime that carries significant penalties under Idaho law if he is convicted.
Investigation Details
The case began when the victim’s father noticed suspicious activity on his daughter’s phone. He discovered a contact named “JJ” who had been communicating with the minor. Upon reviewing the messages, the father found that the individual had sent explicit photos of his genitals to the child.
A detective from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department was assigned to the investigation on May 28. Detectives conducted a forensic examination of the victim’s phone to gather digital evidence. The victim told investigators she had met the suspect on Snapchat and that he used the name “Jake.”
During a forensic interview on June 1, the victim stated that “JJ” claimed to be between 20 and 23 years old and lived three states away. However, court records indicate the suspect sent at least four sexually explicit videos of intercourse to the minor. The documents also show the suspect allegedly asked the victim to send a photo of another young girl and inquired if he could record the two having sex.
Tracking the Suspect
Investigators determined that Depoister used a “TextNow” phone number to conceal his real identity. A search warrant was issued for the TextNow account, which led detectives to Depoister’s real name and his residence in Edgewood, Illinois.
Detectives noted that Depoister likely sent photos taken more than ten years ago to appear younger than he actually is. Despite the online deception, court documents indicate there is no evidence that the suspect and the victim ever met in person.
A warrant was issued for Depoister’s nationwide extradition to Idaho. He was apprehended on Sept. 3 and appeared in court later that same day. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 17.
Legal Proceedings
Depoister has been assigned a public defender. The Idaho State Public Defender’s office does not comment on active cases. During his initial appearance, a bond was set at $100,000.
If convicted of enticing a child over the internet, Depoister faces up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $50,000. The case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating online sexual exploitation of minors.
Jefferson County officials have previously taken steps to prioritize resources for deputy pay and community safety, as seen when Jerome County dropped license plate readers to fund deputy pay. This case underscores the importance of digital forensics in modern investigations.
The severity of such crimes is reflected in recent judicial actions across the region. For example, an Arizona judge recently added 24 years to a polygamist’s sentence for hiding girls in a trailer, demonstrating a firm stance against exploitation of minors.
Community support for law enforcement remains strong in Idaho. Organizations like Tunnel to Towers have paid off mortgages for families of fallen Ada County deputies, recognizing the risks officers take to protect residents.
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