Hailey, Idaho – A Hailey man is set to face a jury trial in Blaine County on charges of sexually exploiting children and possessing child pornography. David Sebastian Hanks III, 21, was apprehended in Boise on May 15, 2023, by a special agent collaborating with the FBI, as per federal court records. If convicted of all three charges, Hanks could potentially be sentenced to 80 years in federal prison, in addition to a maximum fine of $750,000.
The indictments, filed on May 9, 2023, by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kassandra J. McGrady, allege that Hanks coerced and manipulated two underage children in Blaine County into engaging in sexual activities. These acts were purportedly documented on Hanks’ cell phone and tablet between June 25, 2020, and July 26, 2021.
Additionally, Hanks is accused of possessing at least one image of child sexual exploitation on his devices from November 13, 2020, to March 8, 2023, constituting his third charge.
The arrest of Hanks took place three days after McGrady filed a motion for his detention on May 12, 2023. Hanks entered a plea of not guilty to all charges during his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Boise on the same day as his arrest, May 15. He was subsequently released on May 16 under various pretrial conditions, including the mandatory installation of a location-monitoring unit.
In addition to these conditions, Hanks was instructed to seek mental health treatment, refrain from contact with the alleged victims, and obtain approval from his probation officer before using the internet or being around anyone under 18 years old.
Hanks is scheduled to face a jury trial at 1:30 p.m. on July 29 at the U.S. Courthouse in Boise. Presiding over the case will be U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford, with McGrady representing the U.S., and Hanks being represented by Edward K. Brass of Utah-based law firm Brass & Cordova.