CHEROKEE, IA (Northwestiowanow) – A Cherokee man pled guilty to two counts of possessing child sexual abuse material in federal court on Friday.

Evidence presented at the plea hearing in Sioux City showed that Roger Strickland, 62, of Cherokee, received and possessed child sexual abuse material from June 2022 through May 2023. On May 25, 2023, agents searched Strickland’s home and seized multiple pieces of evidence. When confronted by agents about the source of the material, Strickland replied, “It’s me.”

While agents awaited results from the forensic analysis of Strickland’s electronic devices, law enforcement was notified that Strickland was again receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material. He admitted that from August 2023 through February 2024, he continued to receive and possess such material despite knowing he was actively being investigated.

In total, over 225 videos and 8,000 images of child sexual abuse material were discovered on his electronic devices. Strickland further admitted in court that the images and videos involved sadistic or masochistic conduct and depicted prepubescent children, infants, and toddlers.

The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Cherokee Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.