Daniel Kidwell Jr.
Beginning in March, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division, Major Crimes Unit initiated an investigation into the distribution and possession of child pornography and Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) reportedly occurring in Yerington. The investigation was prompted by multiple cyber tips received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
The tips included screen/usernames, e-mail addresses and Internet Protocol (IP) addresses linked to the reported distribution of CSAM. Through collaboration with NCMEC, detectives discovered that e-mail address was associated with several social media accounts believed to be involved in the preparation, advertisement and distribution of pornography involving minors. NCMEC reported these activities took place between October 2024 and January 2025.
Further investigative efforts revealed that a specific IP address was tied to an Internet Service Provider (ISP), which ultimately confirmed the subscriber’s identity and physical address in Yerington. Multiple search warrants were served on the relevant e-mail and social media accounts, leading to the identification of the suspect Daniel Luke Kidwell Jr., 25, of Yerington.
On April 15, LCSO detectives, in coordination with the Northern Nevada Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), executed a search warrant at Kidwell’s residence in Yerington. During the operation, Kidwell was contacted at the location and subsequently taken into custody without incident.
In the course of executing the search warrant, multiple electronic devices were seized. These devices are currently undergoing forensic analysis.
Kidwell was transported to and booked into the Lyon County Jail for charges including using a minor in producing pornography (NRS 200.710) and preparing or distributing materials depicting pornography involving minors (NRS 200.275).
Kidwell’s bail is $120,000.
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Northern Nevada Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which is comprised of members of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Investigations (HSI), the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Sparks Police Department (which utilized its “Bandit” specialized electronic storage device detection K9) and the Nevada Attorney General’s Office for their assistance throughout this investigation.
This remains an open and ongoing investigation. Anyone who might have information related to this case is urged to contact the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at 775-463-6600 or by e-mailing detective@lyon-county.org, reference case number 25LY01075.