Former Yakama Nation tribal officer sentenced to 20 years in child pornography case

YAKIMA — A former Yakama Nation Tribal Police officer has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for attempting to produce child pornography.

Lorenzo Elias Mendez, 39, was found guilty in August in U.S. District Court in Yakima. Judge Salvador Mendoza Jr. also sentenced Mendez Tuesday to 20 years’ probation following his prison sentence.

Authorities said Mendez used a hidden camera to record a friend’s daughter undressing from January to June 2018. Videos from the camera were transmitted to Mendez’s phone, where he would then import and save them, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

During his trial, evidence of more than 500 videos were presented to jurors, the release said.

Searches of his home, his personal and police vehicles found additional evidence, including spy cameras and related equipment. They also found more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and 7.5 grams of heroin packaged for distribution, according to court documents.

Mendez was also charged with possessing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, but the charge was dismissed without prejudice in November, allowing prosecutors the option to refile the case.