Parker Jon Thompson, age 20, from Mason City, Iowa, pled guilty on Apr. 2 in federal court in Cedar Rapids to charges of sexual exploitation of children, possession of child pornography, and possession of a stolen firearm.
The case is significant as it involves both the exploitation of minors and firearms offenses. Authorities say these types of crimes pose serious risks to community safety and the well-being of children.
According to evidence presented at a prior court hearing, Thompson assisted friends in planning a burglary at a Mason City gun shop in June 2025. After several guns were stolen during the burglary, at least two were given to Thompson. During an investigation into the burglary, law enforcement searched Thompson’s phone and discovered child pornography. Further investigation revealed that he had recorded multiple children engaged in sexually explicit conduct and had solicited such depictions from a minor.
At his plea hearing, Thompson admitted that between March 2024 and September 2025 he used or enticed minors for the purpose of producing visual depictions involving sexually explicit conduct. He also acknowledged possessing child pornography between June 2024 and April 2025 and possessing a stolen firearm in June 2025.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation since May 2006. The program coordinates efforts among federal, state, and local agencies to apprehend offenders who exploit children online or otherwise. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found on the Department of Justice website (www.usdoj.gov/psc). Resources for internet safety education are also available there under the “resources” tab.
The case is also included within Operation Take Back America—a nationwide effort by the Department of Justice targeting illegal immigration issues as well as violent crime linked with cartels or transnational criminal organizations.
Sentencing will be scheduled after completion of a presentence report before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Thompson remains held by U.S. Marshals while awaiting sentencing; he faces between fifteen years’ mandatory minimum imprisonment up to fifty years maximum possible sentence along with fines totaling $750,000 plus special assessments.
