Alexander Juan Cotton, a 28-year-old man from Sioux Falls, was sentenced on April 21 to nine years and two months in federal prison for possession of child pornography, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Ron Parsons. U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier also ordered five years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Cotton will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address crimes involving child exploitation and abuse.
Cotton was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2025 and pleaded guilty on January 27, 2026. According to the prosecution, he possessed more than 300 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse involving victims as young as one or two years old. These files were obtained through internet platforms including Telegram and Mega.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuting the case. The prosecution was part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation nationwide.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota is responsible for enforcing federal laws across the district and advancing community safety according to its official website. The office handles both criminal prosecutions and civil cases throughout South Dakota according to its official website, serving as the chief federal law enforcement office for the district according to its official website. It supports initiatives that improve public safety and quality of life according to its official website.
Cotton was immediately remanded into custody following sentencing.
