Pocatello, Idaho Man Faces Eight Additional Felony Charges of Child Sexual Abuse Material Stemming from 2024 Arrest
A 29-year-old Pocatello man already facing a felony charge connected to a 2024 incident is now confronting eight additional felony counts after prosecutors say forensic evidence revealed further child sexual abuse material allegedly in his possession involving two young girls.
Adrian Ray Cantu, who was first charged in December 2024 with one felony count of possession of child sexual abuse material, is now facing eight felony counts of sexual exploitation of a child through production. If convicted on all counts, Cantu faces a maximum of 240 years in prison, according to charging documents reviewed by EastIdahoNews.com.
What the Charges Allege
The new charges center on images allegedly found in Cantu’s possession involving a 7-year-old girl and a 12-year-old girl. According to charging documents, some of the photos show an adult’s hand exposing a girl, and in other images, Cantu’s genitalia is visible, prosecutors said.
Forensic interviews were conducted with both girls on January 7, 2025. During her interview, the 7-year-old was unable to recall what had happened to her. The 12-year-old, who was aware of news reports about Cantu’s arrest, said when asked directly whether Cantu had ever inappropriately touched her that he had not. However, she told interviewers that while she watched TikTok on his phone, Cantu would rub her stomach.
The case deepened on February 11, 2025, when charging documents say the mother of the two victims contacted detectives to report that the older girl had disclosed that Cantu had inappropriately touched her. A subsequent forensic interview was conducted in which prosecutors say the 12-year-old described five instances of Cantu touching her over her clothing, telling interviewers the contact made her uncomfortable.
Charging documents further state that when family members confronted Cantu about the images, he became upset and suicidal, leading to his admission to a behavioral health facility in Idaho Falls.
When the initial charge was filed, law enforcement officials noted their investigation would continue and that additional charges were likely. The filing of the eight new counts reflects that earlier assessment.
Court Dates and Legal Process
Cantu is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on the new charges at 1:30 p.m. on May 5 before Magistrate Judge Carol Jarman in Bannock County. His jury trial on the original December 2024 charge is scheduled for 9 a.m. on June 14 before District Judge Robert Naftz.
Cases such as this one underscore the scale of child exploitation crimes prosecuted in Southeast Idaho and across the state. A Pocatello man was previously sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for child pornography, reflecting the serious prison terms Idaho and federal courts impose on offenders convicted of such crimes.
Bannock County law enforcement agencies have faced a range of public safety challenges in recent months. A separate Pocatello incident involved a man accused of attacking two people with a screwdriver and saucepan at a local group home, illustrating the variety of serious criminal matters moving through local courts.
Cantu has been charged with these crimes, which does not necessarily mean he committed them. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Local Pocatello resources include the South East Idaho Behavioral Crisis Center at (208) 909-5177 and Portneuf Behavioral Health Services at (208) 239-2571.
What Comes Next
Cantu’s preliminary hearing on the eight new felony counts is set for May 5 before Magistrate Judge Carol Jarman. That hearing will determine whether sufficient probable cause exists to move the new charges forward to district court. His previously scheduled jury trial on the original charge remains on the calendar for June 14 before District Judge Robert Naftz. Bannock County News will continue to follow this case as it progresses through the court system. For statewide coverage of criminal justice matters, visit Idaho News and IdahoNewsNetwork.com.