Timothy T. Duax U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa
Lance Paul White, a 33-year-old resident of Cherokee, Iowa, has entered a guilty plea to charges of possessing child pornography. The plea was made on June 5, 2025, in federal court located in Sioux City.
During the hearing, White confessed to both receiving and possessing child pornography. The investigation began after a CyberTip regarding White's Gmail account led law enforcement to discover that he had accessed multiple graphic videos depicting child pornography. Authorities traced the internet activity back to his residence in Cherokee, Iowa. In an interview conducted at his home, White admitted to owning such material. Consequently, several electronic devices were confiscated for further examination.
Forensic analysis revealed numerous videos and images of child pornography on these devices. Additionally, there were AI-generated or cartoon depictions involving prepubescent minors engaged in sadistic or violent acts.
White is currently held by the United States Marshal as he awaits sentencing by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. A presentence report will be prepared before setting the sentencing date. He faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release post-incarceration.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The project involves collaboration between federal, state, and local resources to apprehend offenders and assist victims.
Further details about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.usdoj.gov/psc. Information on Internet safety education is also available on the same website under the "resources" tab.
