By APD
ALLIANCE, Nebraska — The Alliance Police Department is releasing additional information regarding its continuing investigation of Daniel Cortinas (H/M, DOB 06/05/1980).
The investigation began in May 2026 after APD received a report that a minor had been sexually assaulted on multiple occasions. The investigation resulted in Cortinas’s arrest on multiple counts of First-Degree Sexual Assault of a Child and Child Abuse.
During the investigation, Sergeant David LaDuke developed information indicating that Cortinas maintained a separate cellular telephone that he reportedly used to store private photographs. Additional information indicated that the device could contain child sexual abuse material, commonly referred to as CSAM.
Sergeant LaDuke obtained multiple search warrants and continued working to locate the telephone. The device was eventually recovered during the execution of a search warrant with assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol.
After the telephone was seized, Sergeant LaDuke completed a forensic extraction and examination of the device using the Alliance Police Department’s GrayKey digital-forensics system. The examination uncovered multiple images of child sexual abuse material. Investigators also discovered images that Cortinas is alleged to have created involving another minor. This is a separate victim from the minor involved in the original sexual-assault investigation.
Based upon the evidence recovered from the telephone, Cortinas has received the following additional charges:
Eight counts of Creating or Manufacturing Child Sexual Abuse Material
Nine counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material
These charges are in addition to the First-Degree Sexual Assault of a Child and Child Abuse charges arising from the original investigation.
Cortinas has remained in custody since his arrest in May. He is currently being housed in the Scotts Bluff County Jail to accommodate his medical needs.
Chief David Leavitt specifically recognized Sergeant LaDuke for his work on the case.
“Sergeant LaDuke’s hard work and perseverance were critical to this investigation,” Chief Leavitt said. “He continued pursuing the evidence through multiple search warrants, located the device, and then completed the detailed forensic work necessary to identify additional criminal conduct and another minor victim. His dedication is a major reason we are able to continue seeking justice for these victims.”
Sergeant LaDuke recently completed the Digital Evidence Investigations course, an intensive one-week program hosted by the United States Secret Service in Hoover, Alabama. The course provides investigators with advanced training in identifying, extracting, and analyzing digital evidence obtained from cellular telephones, computers, GPS units, tablets, and other electronic devices. It also includes hands-on instruction involving forensic-analysis tools, legal requirements, search-warrant considerations, and the preparation of digital-forensics reports.
The federal government covered the cost of the training, travel, and lodging, allowing Sergeant LaDuke to receive this additional specialized instruction at no cost to the City of Alliance.
This investigation demonstrates the importance of combining advanced technology with properly trained investigators. APD’s investment in GrayKey gives investigators the ability to lawfully extract and analyze evidence from cellular devices pursuant to search warrants. However, the software is only effective when personnel have the training and expertise necessary to properly recover, analyze, document, and present that evidence.
“Digital evidence is now involved in nearly every type of serious criminal investigation,” Chief Leavitt said. “Our investment in GrayKey and specialized training allows us to conduct this work locally, move investigations forward more efficiently, and uncover evidence that might otherwise remain hidden. In this case, that investment helped identify another victim and supported 17 additional felony charges.”
The identities of the minor victims are being withheld in accordance with laws protecting minors and victims of sexual offenses.
This remains an active investigation. Anyone with information concerning Cortinas or information that may be relevant to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Alliance Police Department.
All charges are allegations. Cortinas is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.