A man from Carter Lake has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for charges related to child pornography. On March 12, 2025, Jay McCall Schnider, 52, received a sentence of 84 months following evidence of his involvement with child sexual abuse material.
The investigation began with a CyberTip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, identifying Schnider's account as involved in receiving and uploading prohibited content between April 2020 and July 2023. Subsequent searches of Schnider's residence in Carter Lake led to the seizure of an electronic device. A forensic examination confirmed its use in obtaining images and videos that contained child sexual abuse material.
Upon completing his imprisonment, Schnider will undergo a five-year supervised release, with no possibility of parole within the federal system.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and announced by United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal for the Southern District of Iowa.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood initiated in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. The nationwide initiative aims to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse, leveraging federal, state, and local resources to prosecute offenders and aid victims. More details about the initiative can be found at the Department of Justice's website.