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DIA referral leads to 50-year sentence in United States child exploitation case


7 October 2026

Information identified by the Department of Internal Affairs’ Digital Child Exploitation Team (DCET) has helped secure a 50-year-to-life prison sentence for a United States offender and resulted in two children being safeguarded from further harm.

On 2 October 2026, 21-year-old Californian, John Edward Lario was sentenced in California State Court to 50 years to life imprisonment following a guilty plea to two offences relating to the sexual abuse of children.

In September 2024, DCET’s Senior Victim Identification Investigator identified newly produced child sexual exploitation material and undertook urgent enquiries to identify the offender and his location.

DCET investigators worked closely with United States Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), sharing intelligence and evidence on Lario’s offending that enabled HSI and local law enforcement in California to execute a search warrant and take immediate action.

The operation resulted in two children being removed from further harm and Lario being arrested.

DCET Manager Tim Houston said the outcome highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating online child exploitation.

"Child sexual exploitation material is not just an online crime. Behind every image or video is the high possibility of a real child experiencing sexual exploitation and abuse.

"This outcome demonstrates the impact that timely information-sharing and strong international partnerships can have in protecting children and bringing offenders to justice.

"By working closely with our international partners, we can help identify victims, disrupt offending and ensure children are removed from harm, wherever they are in the world. We received outstanding assistance from Homeland Security Investigations’ Regional Attaché

in Canberra, Australia, who connected us with the right people in the US in real time."

As highlighted in the Department’s Digital Child Exploitation Transparency Reports, DCET regularly works alongside overseas agencies to share expertise, intelligence, and investigative techniques. Through these international partnerships, DCET helps identify victims, disrupt offending, and support investigations across countries.

The Transparency Report is available on the Department’s website: Preventing Online Child Sexual Exploitation Transparency Reports - dia.govt.nz

ENDS

Notes for media: 

DIA uses the term child sexual abuse imagery. The term child pornography downplays the harm of child sexual abuse.  

For more information on the role of the Digital Child Exploitation Team, what is online child sexual exploitation and how to report it visit https://www.dia.govt.nz/Preventing-Online-Child-Sexual-Exploitation   

Audio available: An audio recording of DCET Manager Tim Houston is available for radio and broadcast use on request.

About Department of Internal Affairs’ Digital Child Exploitation Team 
In 2025, the Digital Child Exploitation team conducted 52 search warrants for offences relating to online child sexual exploitation and helped to safeguard 24 New Zealand children from harm. Additionally, the Digital Child Exploitation Filtering System blocked close to 700,000 attempts to access websites hosting child sexual abuse material. 

Support and Resources
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to engage with their tamariki about safe online practices. Guidance on protecting children online is available at KeepItRealOnline.govt.nz.
If you have concerns about potential online harm or wish to report a crime, contact the Digital Child Exploitation Team at DIA. For situations where abuse is occurring or a child is in immediate danger, contact the Police at 111.

If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s sexual behaviour, please reach out for support:  Notes for media:
DIA uses the term child sexual abuse imagery (PDF, 625KB). The term child pornography downplays the harm of child sexual abuse

For more information on the role of the Digital Child Exploitation Team, what is online child sexual exploitation and how to report it visit https://www.dia.govt.nz/Preventing-Online-Child-Sexual-Exploitation

Media Contact:
Media Desk - Te Tari Taiwhenua Department of Internal Affairs
Mobile: +64 27 535 8639
Email: media@dia.govt.nz