Friday, May 01, 2026
70.0°F

Moses Lake man convicted in child pornography case

NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 months, 3 weeks AGO
by NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer | September 8, 2025 4:51 PM

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was convicted last week of possessing child pornography, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Michael Boyer, 69, was convicted in Grant County Superior Court on four counts of first-degree possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, according to the GCSO statement.

In September 2023, GCSO and Moses Lake Police Department detectives received a case referral from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in Seattle. The tip was from Google, identifying Boyer as the suspect, along with his birthdate, phone number and two email addresses.

“The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is a national network of 61 task forces, and their mission is to investigate, prosecute and develop effective responses to the Internet Crimes Against Children,” GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said.

The sheriff’s office took on the investigation and executed a search warrant at his residence in March 2024, Foreman said. Boyer was taken into custody after deputies found a long list of evidence and inappropriate material on computers.

During the investigation, detectives found that one of the IP addresses connected to Boyer had uploaded over 100 video files containing child sexual abuse material, according to GCSO.

Boyer remains in the Grant County Jail awaiting sentencing in October.

Foreman said if people are suspicious of similar behaviors from other individuals, they should reach out to their local law enforcement agency or to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

“If someone notices the behavior, such as inappropriate material on their phone, inappropriate material on their desktop computer (they should contact authorities),” Foreman said. “In some cases, there are concerns that someone might be photographing children playing. Anything that seems suspicious, we’ll come take a look at it, and we’ll be able to decide whether there’s something going on.”

ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON

‘Show up’
May 1, 2026 2 a.m.

‘Show up’

Local leaders say community voices shape schools, cities and trust

WARDEN — When Warden Mayor Rosaelia Martinez looked out over the audience at the April 28 Warden City Council meeting, she didn’t see empty seats. She saw neighbors. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.” That message – that showing up matters – was echoed by city and school leaders across the Columbia Basin, many of whom say public participation directly shapes decision-making, transparency and long‑term planning.

Warden council bans kratom, considers parking regulations
April 29, 2026 5:46 p.m.

Warden council bans kratom, considers parking regulations

WARDEN — Warden City Council passed a kratom ban and special event permit Tuesday night. It also discussed its comprehensive plan update and an ordinance for parking regulations. Around 17 residents were in attendance, a fairly large showing for a Warden council meeting. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Mayor Rosaelia Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input because it really validates what a lot of people are hoping to achieve in the city. Thank you. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.”

Columbia Basin Hospital nominates Allred for board
April 29, 2026 5:30 p.m.

Columbia Basin Hospital nominates Allred for board

EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Hospital received one application for a vacant seat on the Board of Commissioners for Public Hospital District No. 3. Dr. Lowell Allred has applied for the role. He was officially nominated for the role at the April 28 board of commissioners meeting. “Public notice of this nomination shall occur between April 29 and May 14, to allow time for registered voters residing in the hospital district to also submit nominees for the vacant position,” said Chief Executive Officer Rosalinda Kibby.