Clarion man to remain in jail pending federal trial on child pornography charges

CEDAR RAPIDS - A federal judge ruled last week to hold a Clarion man in jail pending his trial on sexual exploitation of a child and child pornography.

Jonathan Sebert, 24, was charged Dec. 28 with sexual exploitation of a child and one count each of receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography, an indictment filed in U.S. District Court shows.

Sebert is accused of producing, receiving and possessing child pornography between 2012 and 2016, according to the indictment.

Sebert's trial is set for Feb. 27.

If convicted, Sebert faces a mandatory sentence of 15 years and possibly up to 70 years in prison, a $750,000 fine and $15,300 in special assessments or court fees. He also would have to serve at least five years and it possibly up to life on supervised release following any prison time.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Tremmel and is being investigated by the Wright County Sheriff's Office and the Mason City Police Department.