A Cedar Rapids man has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of sexually exploiting children and possessing child pornography.
Dawson Sanderson, 24, admitted during a plea hearing on November 13, 2025, that he convinced minors in 2021 to create and send images depicting sexually explicit conduct. He also acknowledged possession of child pornography.
Sanderson was convicted of one count of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography. He is currently being held by the United States Marshal while awaiting sentencing. The sentencing will be scheduled after a presentence report is completed by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.
According to court documents, Sanderson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and could receive up to 40 years’ imprisonment. Additional penalties include a fine up to $500,000, special assessments totaling $67,200, and supervised release ranging from five years to life after serving his prison term.
The case falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at addressing child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program brings together federal, state, and local agencies to investigate and prosecute those who exploit children as well as identify victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.usdoj.gov/psc. Internet safety resources are also available on the site under the “resources” tab.
