An Iowa City man, Jose Manuel Parsons, was sentenced on March 25 to seven years in federal prison for the receipt of child pornography.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement and federal prosecutors to address crimes involving the exploitation of children. The sentencing is part of a broader initiative aimed at combating child sexual abuse and protecting minors from online predators.
According to public court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a CyberTip that led authorities to an account associated with Parsons, age 40. The account had received and uploaded files containing child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement examined an electronic device seized during Parsons’ arrest as well as social media content, which showed he communicated with minors—including one in Michigan who sent him such material. For several years, Parsons worked for traveling carnival companies where he had access to children.
After serving his prison term, Parsons will be subject to a ten-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa announced the sentencing. The Iowa City Police Department investigated the case.
This prosecution was brought under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 focused on fighting child sexual exploitation and abuse through collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.
