A BYU-Idaho Student, William S. Messer, 23, of Rexburg, faces felony charges of distribution of child sexually exploitative material following an internet Crimes Against Children investigation that began earlier this year.

According to a press release from the Rexburg Police Department, detectives began investigating a CyberTip from the Idaho Attorney General's Office ICAC Task Force on Feb.11, 2026. Authorities executed a residential search warrant on May 20 at an apartment near West Fifth West and University Boulevard in Rexburg.

Following the search and additional investigation, Messer was arrested May 20 and later arraigned May 21 in Madison County Court.

Masser is reportedly facing two felony counts of distribution of child sexually exploitative material.

The investigation involved assistance from the Madison County Sheriff's Office, Idaho Falls Police Department, Bonneville County Sheriff's Office, Idaho ICAC Task Force, Madison County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and Idaho Attorney General's Office.

In the release, Rexburg police said crimes involving the exploitation of children are taken “extremely seriously” and gave all agencies credit for their cooperation.