Paul William Flett, a 44-year-old resident of Humboldt, Iowa, has pled guilty to the charge of sexual exploitation of a child in federal court in Sioux City, Iowa. This plea was entered on January 23, 2025.
According to the plea agreement, Flett admitted to sending links and images of child pornography to underage girls and soliciting them for similar content. On June 6, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at his residence. During a consensual interview with authorities, Flett confessed that he hid his phone upon their arrival because he anticipated their visit. A forensic examination of his iPhone 12, computer, and Kik account revealed 16 videos and 60 images containing child pornography. The materials included depictions of sadistic or masochistic conduct involving prepubescent children, infants, and toddlers.
Flett's sentencing will be scheduled following the preparation of a presentence report by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. After entering his guilty plea, Flett was taken into custody by the United States Marshal and will remain detained until sentencing. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and could receive up to 30 years’ imprisonment along with a $250,000 fine. Additionally, there is a possibility of supervised release ranging from five years to life following any prison term.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood—a national initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project unites federal, state, and local resources to locate and prosecute offenders while also identifying and rescuing victims.
For further information about Project Safe Childhood or internet safety education resources, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.