A Utah judge sentenced Matthew Maddison, a former conditioning coach for USA Climbing, to prison on September 11 after he pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor.
Third District Judge Richard Mrazik imposed a sentence ranging from one to 15 years. The court ordered Maddison’s immediate commitment to Utah State Prison. He received credit for 137 days already served in Summit County Jail prior to the sentencing hearing.
Plea Agreement and Dismissed Charges
The conviction stems from a second-degree felony charge. As part of the plea deal, prosecutors dismissed three counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, which are classified as first-degree felonies. The agreement also resulted in the dismissal of nine additional counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.
Maddison agreed to surrender electronic devices seized by law enforcement during the investigation. Court documents indicate these devices contained a significant volume of child pornography.
Investigation and Arrest
Authorities arrested Maddison in April following a report from a social media company. The platform flagged an account that was uploading suspected child sexual abuse material. Investigators with the Utah Internet Crimes Against Children task force identified Maddison as the owner of the account.
During the investigation, agents discovered conversations on the devices discussing the abuse of prepubescent children. Records show Maddison distributed more than 30 files containing illegal content via social media platforms. On July 31, Maddison admitted to possessing child sex abuse material.
Organizational Response
USA Climbing placed Maddison on administrative leave shortly after the charges were filed. The national governing body for the sport stated that the allegations appeared unrelated to his coaching responsibilities.
“The safety of our athletes is our highest priority,” USA Climbing said in a statement regarding the situation.
Sentencing Proceedings
Maddison and his wife addressed the court before Judge Mrazik delivered the sentence. The judge considered private victim impact statements and a letter from a friend during the proceedings. Maddison, 37, will serve his term in the Utah state prison system.