A Cedar Rapids man has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to child exploitation. Kevin Patrick Sullivan, 43, admitted to sexual exploitation of a child, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
During the plea hearing, Sullivan acknowledged that from June 2013 to February 2015 he produced images depicting a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct. He also admitted that between June 2013 and January 2025 he possessed child pornography involving a prepubescent child on multiple electronic devices. Additionally, between November 2013 and January 2025, he used the Internet to receive such material.
The prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative by the Department of Justice started in May 2006. The program aims to address the problem of child sexual exploitation by bringing together federal, state, and local resources for investigation and prosecution efforts. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.usdoj.gov/psc.
Sullivan is awaiting sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams after a presentence report is completed. He remains in custody pending this process. The offenses carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and up to 70 years’ imprisonment, along with fines totaling $750,000, special assessments amounting to $117,300, and a lifetime term of supervised release if convicted.
Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake is prosecuting the case following an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
