COEUR d’ALENE — Matthew W. Cash will spend up to 25 years in prison for sexually abusing a child and possessing illegal images, according to the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Cash, 42, pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of children by possession of sexually exploitative material, possessing visual representations of child sexual abuse and sexual abuse of a child under the age of 16, all felonies. 

Prosecutors said law enforcement began investigating Cash after receiving a tip that he possessed child sexual abuse material. 

After obtaining a search warrant, police searched Cash’s residence. They located evidence he had possessed more than 1,500 pictures and videos depicting child sexual abuse, as well as at least 40 files of “computer-generated images” depicting the same, including a “computer-generated cartoon” of an adult sexually abusing a child. 

During the course of the criminal case, prosecutors said they learned that Cash sexually abused a child from 2005 to 2008. Cash was 25 years old during that period and the child was between 6 and 9 years old, according to prosecutors. 

First District Judge Ross Pittman sentenced Cash to 25 years in prison with parole eligibility after 10 years. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse, reach Safe Passage 24/7 by calling 208-664-9303 or texting 208-449-7228.