Billings Man Found Guilty in Child Exploitation Case

A federal jury has found 51 year old Steven Dwayne Scott of Billings guilty of trying to coerce what he thought was a 12 year old into sending nude photos. The case wrapped up in less than two days, and the jury quickly reached a decision.

Serious Charges Could Carry Lifetime Consequences

Scott was convicted on two charges: attempted coercion and enticement, and possession of child pornography. Each charge carries serious weight, he could spend anywhere from 10 years to the rest of his life in prison, plus face up to a $250,000 fine. Judge Susan P. Watters will officially sentence him on January 8, 2026.

Undercover Sting Exposes Predator’s Online Pursuit

This case started back in March 2024, when law enforcement officers posed as a 12 year old girl on Facebook. Scott took the bait, accepted the friend request, and began chatting. Eventually, the conversation moved to the messaging app KIK. Despite being told the “child’s” age, he continued the interaction and pushed for inappropriate photos.

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Gift Cards Used in Attempted Exploitation

Investigators say Scott even tried to buy images, sending gift card information as “payment.” On May 21, 2024, he offered instructions on how to verify the funds, and just days later, he sent a $25 Amazon gift card in exchange for pictures. That was one of the final steps before his arrest.

Long History of Predatory Behavior

This isn’t Scott’s first time on the radar. He was already a registered sex offender from a 1997 conviction in South Dakota for sexually abusing a minor. And in 2018, authorities say he had more disturbing online interactions with underage girls. A search of his Snapchat revealed sexually explicit content involving minors.

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Part of National Effort to Protect Children

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus and investigated by the FBI. It falls under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative started in 2006 to crack down on child exploitation online. The program brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement to stop predators and protect kids.