An Iowa City man has been sentenced to 168 months in federal prison for receipt of child pornography. The sentencing took place on September 15, 2025, following an investigation that began in 2023.
Court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing revealed that Jeffrey Alan Guentert, 57, was identified as the individual behind an account used to download files containing child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement executed a search at Guentert’s residence and workplace, both located in Iowa City, where they seized 87 electronic devices. Forensic analysis showed that at least 44 of these devices were used by Guentert to receive, view, and possess images and videos depicting child sexual abuse between 2019 and 2023. Authorities found more than 5,000 images and 1,500 videos during their investigation.
Guentert was employed by the city at the time of his arrest. In addition to his prison sentence, he will serve a five-year term of supervised release after completing his incarceration. Federal law does not allow parole. The court also ordered Guentert to pay $100,000 in restitution.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa announced the sentencing. The Johnson County Joint Forensic Analysis Cyber Team and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation.
The 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. Project Safe Childhood coordinates resources from federal, state, and local agencies to identify offenders who exploit children online and rescue victims. More information about this initiative can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.
