Timothy T. Duax U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa
Brandon Michael Halsey, a 20-year-old from Denison, Iowa, has been sentenced to federal prison following his guilty plea on October 8, 2024. He was charged with possession of child pornography.
According to the plea agreement, Halsey admitted to receiving, distributing, and possessing child pornography between February 5, 2022, and February 1, 2023. The case evidence indicated that on May 6, 2022, a Kik user uploaded two videos depicting child pornography. This activity was reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and resulted in a CyberTip report. Law enforcement reviewed the videos and determined that at least one involved a minor under the age of twelve.
A search warrant executed at Halsey's home revealed approximately 100 files of images and videos depicting child pornography. Halsey also admitted to sending these materials to other Kik users. During his arrest, he attempted to discard two iPhones in a snowbank near the agent's vehicle; these were seized as evidence. A forensic review found that he possessed 263 images and 104 videos of child pornography involving toddlers and content described as bondage or sadistic conduct.
Halsey received his sentence in Sioux City from United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. He was sentenced to 72 months in prison with an order to pay $18,600 in restitution and assessments. Following his prison term, he will serve five years of supervised release without parole eligibility due to federal regulations.
Currently held by the United States Marshal’s custody until transfer arrangements are made for federal imprisonment, this case is part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse.
For further details about Project Safe Childhood or internet safety education resources visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
