CHEROKEE, IA (northwestiowanow.com) – A Cherokee man has pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of child pornography following a federal investigation.

On Thursday, June 5, Lance Paul White, 33, of Cherokee, entered his guilty plea in U.S. District Court in Sioux City. White admitted to knowingly receiving and possessing graphic materials depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.

The investigation began after a CyberTip alerted authorities to suspicious activity linked to White’s Gmail account. Law enforcement traced the activity to his residence in Cherokee, where White voluntarily spoke with officers and admitted to possessing illegal content. A search of his home led to the seizure of multiple electronic devices.

Forensic analysis revealed dozens of videos and images involving child pornography, including AI-generated and cartoon depictions. According to court documents, many of the files involved prepubescent children and included violent or sadistic content.

White remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service as he awaits sentencing. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a minimum of five years of supervised release.