Reinbeck man convicted in federal child pornography case

CEDAR RAPIDS — A Reinbeck man pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to receiving and possessing child pornography.

Michael Cottrell, 43, was convicted of one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. During the plea hearing, Cottrell admitted to receiving and possessing child pornography between January 2012 and September 2014. He also admitted the explicit images were of minors under the age of 12.

U.S. Magistrate Jon Scoles told Cottrell he faces a mandatory five years and up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. He also would have to register as a sex offender and be on supervised release after serving prison time for five years and up to life.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Tremmel indicated that Cottrell may have a previous sexual abuse conviction that may increase his mandatory minimum and maximum prison term. Scoles said if the previous conviction is considered at sentencing, Cottrell would face 15 to 60 years in prison.

Cottrell remains in custody pending sentencing.

The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Grundy County Sheriff's Office and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.