Lawrence man convicted of sexual exploitation of a child, internet trading in child pornography

Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez today announced that Cooper Wayne Lyle, 29, of Lawrence, pleaded guilty Wednesday to sexual exploitation of a child and internet trading in child pornography.

Charges stemmed from a cyber tip received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in February 2022 when the Lawrence Police Department was advised that Lyle electronically uploaded child sexual abuse material.

“Alongside our law enforcement partners, we are committed to aggressively prosecuting offenders who seek to prey upon our youngest and most vulnerable,” District Attorney Valdez said. 

Deputy District Attorney Joshua Seiden represented the State of Kansas. The case was investigated by the Lawrence Police Department and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Judge Amy Hanley set Lyle’s sentencing for 9:30 a.m., May 30, 2024, at the Douglas County Judicial and Law Enforcement Center.

Lyle faces between 31 months to a maximum of 136 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections and for each conviction. Lyle also must register as a sex offender for 25 years.