An Adel resident, Douglas Harsh, 55, has been sentenced to 108 months in federal prison for transporting child pornography. The sentencing took place on Friday, September 5, 2025.
The case began when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a CyberTip about an account linked to Harsh that had received files containing child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement later searched Harsh’s home in Adel and seized electronic devices as part of the investigation. Evidence showed that Harsh participated in an online chat group where members shared images and videos depicting child pornography, including material involving prepubescent children.
Following his prison sentence, Harsh will serve seven years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution. Federal sentences do not allow for parole.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa announced the sentencing. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children unit and the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to address child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project coordinates federal, state, and local resources to identify and prosecute offenders who exploit children online and to assist victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.
