Hawkeye Reporter

Roger Strickland, a 62-year-old resident of Cherokee, Iowa, has been sentenced to more than five years in federal prison for possessing child pornography. The sentencing took place on September 9, 2025, at the federal court in Sioux City, Iowa. Strickland pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing child pornography earlier this year.

According to evidence presented during plea and sentencing hearings, Strickland received and possessed child pornography from June 2022 through May 2023. On May 25, 2023, law enforcement agents searched his home and seized several pieces of evidence. When agents asked who was downloading child pornography at the residence, Strickland responded, “It’s me.”

While authorities awaited forensic analysis of his electronic devices, they were notified again that Strickland continued to receive and possess child pornography between August 2023 and February 2024. During this period, he admitted to continuing these activities despite knowing he was under investigation. Investigators discovered over 225 videos and 8,000 images of child pornography on his devices. Strickland also admitted that some materials depicted sadistic or masochistic conduct as well as prepubescent children, infants, and toddlers.

The case is part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to address child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project brings together federal, state, and local resources to locate offenders who exploit children and rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.usdoj.gov/psc.

United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand presided over the sentencing hearing. Strickland received a sentence of 63 months’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $39,000 in restitution to the victims in the case. There is no parole in the federal system. Until he is transported to a federal prison facility, Strickland remains in custody with the U.S. Marshals Service.