Tama man sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison for child porn

CEDAR RAPIDS — A Tama man who was convicted for distribution and possession of child pornography was sentenced Friday to more than 17 years in federal prison.

Jacob Samuel Yang, 37, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court on May 22 to distribution and possession of child pornography. According to a plea agreement and sentencing information, Yang downloaded the illegal images between September 2019 and February 2025 and stored them on a cellphone and laptop.

He also distributed child pornography to multiple people in March 2024, according to the plea. In addition, Yang solicited sex from several children using messaging apps.

U.S. District Chief Judge C.J. Williams, during sentencing, also ordered Yang to serve five years of supervised release and pay $15,000 in restitution to victims in the case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Devra Hake and it was investigated by the FBI, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Tama County Sheriff’s Office, Tama Police Department and Marshalltown Police Department.

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