Timothy T. Duax U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa
Priest Morris, a 21-year-old resident of Sioux City, Iowa, has been sentenced to more than five years in federal prison for possession of child pornography. The sentencing took place on September 12, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City. Morris pleaded guilty to the charge on May 1, 2025.
According to evidence presented during the plea and sentencing hearings, Morris used social media platforms including Discord, Twitter, Telegram, and Snapchat between January and August 2024 to receive, distribute, and possess images of child pornography. The materials included depictions involving prepubescent minors or children under the age of 12.
The investigation began when the Sioux City Police Department received two CyberTips regarding a Snapchat account that had uploaded child pornography. Law enforcement traced the account back to Morris. When authorities executed a search warrant on his electronic devices, Morris admitted to receiving and possessing child pornography and stated that such material would be found on his phone and iPad. A forensic analysis revealed that he possessed over 1,500 images and six videos depicting child pornography. Some of these materials portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct as well as infants and toddlers.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at addressing child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program coordinates efforts among federal, state, and local agencies to locate offenders who exploit children online and rescue victims. Additional information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.usdoj.gov/psc. Resources for internet safety education are also available through this site.
