A 67-year-old Caldwell, Idaho man has been sentenced to 70 years in prison for child sex crimes following an investigation by the Caldwell Police Department, which is now urging any additional victims of the convicted offender to come forward. The case has raised serious concerns in Canyon County given the suspect’s ties to a local church community.
Conviction and Sentencing
Weldon Haney of Caldwell was sentenced this week after being convicted on three counts of lewd and lascivious conduct and one count of sexual abuse of a child under sixteen. He received a sentence of 50 years fixed and 20 years indeterminate, meaning he will serve a minimum of 50 years before any possibility of release.
According to the Caldwell Police Department, the crimes occurred between 2022 and 2024. Haney was 63 to 65 years old during the period in which authorities say the offenses took place.
The Caldwell Police Department publicly announced the sentencing and confirmed that investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.
Church Connection Raises Concerns for Canyon County Community
Authorities said Haney had attended Calvary Temple Church, located on 6th Avenue in Caldwell, for many years and that he may have met victims through his involvement there. According to the Caldwell Police Department, three of the known victims were reportedly met through the church.
The disclosure of a church connection is significant for the Caldwell community and broader Canyon County area, as it suggests the offender may have used a position of familiarity and trust within a faith community to gain access to children. Law enforcement’s decision to publicly identify the church is consistent with their efforts to identify any individuals who may have had contact with Haney in that setting.
Canyon County is home to numerous faith communities, and crimes of this nature — in which an offender exploits trust-based relationships — underscore the importance of community vigilance and transparency from law enforcement.
Impact on Canyon County Families
Child sex crimes carry devastating and long-lasting consequences for victims and their families. For Caldwell residents and the wider Canyon County community, the case is a sobering reminder that predatory behavior can occur within familiar, trusted environments.
The Caldwell Police Department’s decision to seek additional victims publicly reflects a recognition that crimes of this nature are frequently underreported. Law enforcement officials are encouraging anyone who believes they or someone they know may have been victimized by Haney to step forward, emphasizing that justice for all potential victims remains a priority.
The severity of Haney’s sentence — 70 years total, with 50 years fixed — reflects the gravity of the offenses and Idaho’s commitment to protecting children from predatory conduct. Given Haney’s age of 67, the fixed portion of the sentence effectively means he is unlikely to ever be released from custody.
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What Comes Next — How to Get Involved
The Caldwell Police Department is actively seeking any individuals who may have been victimized by Weldon Haney or who have information relevant to the case. Investigators are particularly interested in anyone who may have encountered Haney through Calvary Temple Church on 6th Avenue in Caldwell or through other community connections.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Caldwell Police Department directly at (208) 455-4624.
Tipsters may also have the option to submit information anonymously through local law enforcement channels. Authorities emphasized that coming forward, even with incomplete information, can be a critical step in ensuring all victims receive the justice they deserve.
The Caldwell Police Department has not announced whether additional charges or arrests are anticipated, but the active public appeal for victims suggests the investigation remains open.