A recent case out of Las Vegas has put a spotlight on how serious these charges of child pornography can be. Two teens from a private Summerlin school are now facing possible prison time for recording and sharing a disturbing video. If you or someone you know is in a similar situation, speaking with a child pornography defense attorney right away is the most important step you can take.
What Happened in the Dawson School Case?
In April 2025, a group of students from The Alexander Dawson School were on a trip to Costa Rica. During that trip, several students allegedly sexually assaulted another classmate. The incident was caught on video, which showed the victim begging for it to stop.
After returning home to Nevada, two of the students started showing the video to peers and bragging about what happened. One of those peers told their parents, and the school was notified. That is when the case was reported to law enforcement.
Who Is Being Charged?
The students accused of the assault itself are not currently facing charges in Nevada. Because the assault happened in Costa Rica, Nevada prosecutors do not have jurisdiction over it. However, the two students who shared the video in Nevada are being prosecuted.
Those defendants are:
- Dominic Kim (15)
- Vaughn Griffith (15)
Both have been indicted in the Las Vegas District Court and are being tried as adults. Their charges include:
- Dominic Kim: Possession of visual presentation depicting sexual conduct of a child, plus two counts of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment
- Vaughn Griffith: Possession of visual presentation depicting sexual conduct of a child
Both teens have arraignments scheduled for April 28, 2026.
What Do the Charges of Child Pornography Mean?
The main charge both teens face falls under Nevada’s charges of child pornography laws. Under NRS 200.730, it is illegal to knowingly possess any visual material that shows a minor engaged in sexual conduct. That includes videos shared by phone or social media.
If found guilty, the penalties are serious:
- Child pornography possession: Up to 6 years in prison, plus heavy fines
- Child abuse, neglect, or endangerment: Up to 20 years or even life in prison, depending on the circumstances
For Dominic Kim, who faces both types of charges, the stakes are even higher. A conviction could follow him for the rest of his life, including mandatory sex offender registration.
Why Jurisdiction Matters in This Case
This case is unusual because the assault happened outside the United States. Nevada prosecutors cannot press charges for something that occurred in Costa Rica. But once the video was shown and shared inside Nevada, state law kicked in. That is why only the students who distributed the footage are being charged here.
This shows how quickly sharing a file, even once, can lead to serious charges of child pornography. You do not have to create the material to be charged. Simply having it on your phone or sending it to someone else is enough under Nevada law.
Why You Need a Child Pornography Defense Attorney
Child pornography cases are some of the most aggressively prosecuted crimes in Nevada. A conviction can mean years behind bars, thousands in fines, and a permanent spot on the sex offender registry. That is why working with a skilled child pornography defense attorney is so important.
A strong defense lawyer can:
- Review how the evidence was collected and challenge illegal searches
- Argue lack of knowledge or intent
- Question whether the material meets the legal definition under NRS 200.730
- Protect minors from being tried as adults when possible
- Negotiate reduced charges or alternative sentencing
Every case is different, and even small details can change the outcome. A qualified child pornography defense attorney knows how to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and fight for the best result.
Protect Your Future Today
Facing charges of child pornography can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. The Law Office of Michael A. Troiano has the experience to guide you through every step. Whether you are a parent trying to help your child or an adult facing these accusations, the right child pornography defense attorney can make all the difference.
Call The Law Office of Michael A. Troiano today to schedule a confidential consultation and start building your defense.
