Former Bellevue East High School Vocal Music Teacher Sentenced to 168 Months for Receiving and Distributing Child Pornography

David John Groth, a 38-year-old, was sentenced to 168 months in prison on October 30, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for receiving and distributing child pornography. United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., imposed the sentence after Groth admitted to engaging in the crime. The federal system does not allow parole, and Groth will serve a six-year term of supervised release following his prison term. Judge Rossiter also ordered Groth to pay $5,000 in restitution to each of two identified victims and a $5,000 special assessment under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018.

Between October 5, 2024, and April 30, 2025, Kik/Media Lab Inc. reported 12 instances of child pornography distribution via its platform to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Location data linked these reports to Groth’s residence in Nebraska. FBI investigators found 110 child pornography videos and 30 images across Groth’s Kik accounts, along with evidence of his discussions about sexual attraction to children. Agents later searched Groth’s home in Bellevue, seizing electronic devices that revealed 38 child pornography images and 71 videos on his iPhone. The content depicted the sexual abuse of children, including sadistic and masochistic acts.

Sentencing Details

Groth’s sentence includes a six-year supervised release and financial penalties. The restitution and special assessment are mandated by federal law to support victims of child sexual abuse material. The case was part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative targeting internet-based child exploitation, according to the United States Attorney’s Office.

Investigation Findings

The FBI’s investigation revealed Groth used Kik to distribute child pornography and later invited users to exchange such material via Telegram. His Kik accounts contained explicit content featuring pubescent, prepubescent, and infant victims, including scenes of bondage and abuse. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with prosecution led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska https://www.justice.gov/usao-ne/pr/former-bellevue-east-high-school-vocal-music-teacher-sentenced-168-months-receipt-and.