“To Get It Over With,” Judge Questions Plea in CSAM Case

Jaiden Richard Jennings, in custody, appeared for arraignment in two cases on Sept. 15 in the Tenth Judicial District Court before Judge Thomas Stockard. Jennings pleaded guilty to Failure to Appear After Admission to Bail or Release Without Bail, a Category D felony punishable by 1-4 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

He also pleaded guilty to Possession of Visual Pornography of a Person Under 16 Years of Age, a Category B felony punishable by 1-6 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. The charge involves child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, a term used for images or videos depicting the sexual abuse or exploitation of children. The term is increasingly used instead of “child pornography” because children cannot legally consent to the creation of such material.

During the plea canvass, Jennings told Judge Stockard the material was found on an old computer that had also been used by a former roommate. When Stockard asked why he was pleading guilty, Jennings said, “Because I have no actual evidence to prove that he was in possession of it because it’s on my computer.”

Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills said the state was prepared to present evidence that an FBI agent received an Internet Crimes Against Children cyber tip involving an image sent through Jennings’ Facebook Messenger account.

Jennings’ defense attorney Charles Woodman said he believed the state could obtain a conviction based on the evidence and, after extensive discussions with Jennings, believed the plea agreement was in his client’s best interest.

As Stockard continued questioning Jennings, Jennings expressed hesitation. Stockard told him, “That’s the worst reason in the world — to get it over with,” and explained that Jennings could plead not guilty and take the case to trial.

Stockard paused the proceedings and directed Jennings to confer with Woodman. When they returned, Jennings said he had been overwhelmed, and his emotions had “jumbled” his thoughts. After speaking with Woodman, Jennings said, “I got a little bit of clarity” and felt comfortable proceeding with the plea.

Stockard again questioned Jennings and ultimately accepted his guilty pleas in both cases, finding they were entered freely, voluntarily, intelligently, and knowingly.

The court also clarified that the CSAM offense does not carry lifetime supervision for a first offense, as had initially been stated during the hearing. If convicted, Jennings would be required to register as a sex offender and undergo a psychosexual evaluation.

Stockard ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation and set sentencing for Dec. 29. He also authorized Jennings’ release on his own recognizance once a GPS ankle monitor is installed and outstanding Lyon County holds are resolved. Jennings will remain on house arrest, with exceptions for approved work and drug testing.