A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City charged Brennan Christopher Bennett, 41, with receiving sexually explicit images of a child and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, according to an April 30 announcement by First Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak.
The case is significant as it highlights ongoing efforts to address crimes involving child exploitation and illegal firearm possession. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah enforces federal laws to protect Utah residents and promote community safety, according to the official website.
Court documents allege that Bennett was initially indicted in November 2025 after agents seized multiple firearms and ammunition during a search in October 2025. As a convicted felon, Bennett is prohibited from possessing these items. Further investigation revealed that he received sexually explicit images of a child on an unknown date up through October 28, 2025.
Bennett faces charges related to both firearm possession as a felon and receipt of child pornography. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 5 at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in Salt Lake City before a U.S. District Court Judge.
The FBI Salt Lake City Field Office is investigating the case, while Assistant United States Attorney Carlos A. Esqueda is prosecuting it. The prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, which coordinates resources across agencies to combat online child sexual exploitation since its launch by the Department of Justice in May 2006.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah operates under the U.S. Department of Justice and covers all 29 counties in Utah—including areas with five national parks and several Indian reservations—according to the official website. The office has about 85 employees including approximately 45 assistant attorneys based out of offices in Salt Lake City and St. George with access to sites such as Hill Air Force Base.
An indictment remains only an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.