Independence man convicted of child pornography, faces up to 40 years in federal prison

An Independence man who distributed and possessed child pornography pleaded guilty last week in U.S. District Court.

Steven Risk, 38, pleaded guilty last Friday to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. During the plea hearing he admitted to distributing child pornography between October 2011 and February 2013. He also admitted to possessing child pornography between October 2012 and February 2013.

According to court documents, Risk possessed more than 30,000 images and more than 50 videos of child pornography.

Sentencing hasn't been set at this time. Risk faces five to 40 years in federal prison and up to a $500,000 fine on the charges.

This case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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