Prairieburg man convicted for paying minors to send him sexually explicit images

A 37-year-old Prairieburg man was convicted in federal court last week for posing as a teen on social media sites to persuade minors under 16 to send him sexually explicit photos in exchange for money.

Bryce Hans Plower pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of sexual exploitation of children and three charges of possession of child pornography. He faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and possibly up to 50 years in federal prison.

According to the plea agreement, Plower, during an interview, admitted to “catfishing” the children that ranged in age from under 16 and some under 12 from September 2020 through July 2024. When one victim told him she was 12 years old, he pretended to be a 16-year-old and made multiple requests for her to send him naked photos and sexually explicit photos of herself.

With this one victim, investigators found more than 5,400 messages between Plower and the victim.

With some of the victims, Plower would send them money through various cash apps and gift cards in exchange for sexually explicit photos. The plea agreement included graphic details of the chats or messages between Plower and the victims.

Plower also told investigators he purchased other child pornography — photos and videos — over the internet. Investigators found 5,403 of those images stored on his phone, according to the plea agreement.

In federal child pornography cases, prosecutors can ask for enhancements based on certain depictions of child pornography and how many images are found in a defendant’s possession.

Plower also faces supervised release, which could be up to life, following his prison term, and victim restitution.

U.S. District Chief Judge C.J. Williams will set sentencing for Plower after a presentencing report is completed.

Comments: (319) 398-8318; trish.mehaffey@thegazette.com