Cedar Rapids man sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for child pornography

A Cedar Rapids man, who had 4,875 images of child pornography on 65 videos and numerous photos, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison Tuesday for receiving child pornography.

Donald Etheredge, 51, pleaded in March to receipt of child pornography. He admitted at the plea hearing to receiving the child pornography between 2013 and 2015.

U.S. District Judge Linda Reade said this was a 'concerning” case because Etheredge had a previous conviction in 2004 for shipment and transportation of child pornography. While on supervised release, after serving prison time, his release was revoked when probation officers found child and adult pornography and other 'objects” in his home, which led to this charge.

Reade pointed out Etheredge had 13,900 images of child and adult pornography, along with the 65 videos which contained 4,875 more images, and many of the images were of girls under the age of 12.

Etheredge declined to make a statement during the hearing.

Reade said Etheredge was at 'very high risk to recidivate” and she was sentencing him to 15 years, which the prosecution and defense recommended.

Melanie Keiper, Etheredge's lawyer, said he wanted to have the opportunity to receive specific treatment for child pornography while in prison. He hadn't received any treatment during his

previous prison term.

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