Augusta Man Sentenced for Possession of Child Pornography

Thursday, May 21st, 2026 -- 1:01 PM

(WEAU staff, WEAU) An Augusta man charged with possessing child pornography was sentenced in Eau Claire County Court Wednesday.

According to WEAU staff, an initial Cybertip was received on August 30, 2024 to the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reported on February 11, 2024, they received a Cybertip from Snapchat regarding online enticement and possession of child pornography.

The Sheriff’s Office applied for a warrant and obtained the reader reports of Branden Molinaro’s Snapchat report, finding conversations with him and over 30 different individuals who made comments stating they were under 18.

On February 20, 2025, after having obtained a warrant, officers conducted a traffic stop of Molinaro and took him into custody. During his court appearance on Wednesday, he was found guilty of, due to a no contest plea, three counts of possession of child pornography.

Several other charges were dismissed and read in. He was sentenced to four years in state prison and four years of extended supervision.

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