A Mason City man has been sentenced to federal prison on child pornography charges.
Cleon Mitchell Jr., 46, was sentenced Thursday, Sept. 4, in Sioux City to 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty earlier this year to possession of child pornography.
Federal prosecutors say that between August 2022 and April 2024, Mitchell used social media apps to receive and possess images and videos of child pornography, including material involving prepubescent children. A report from Snapchat led investigators to his account, and a search warrant at his home uncovered the illegal material on his phone.
Mitchell was previously convicted in Cerro Gordo County District Court of lascivious acts with a child earlier this year.
In addition to the prison term, Mitchell must pay $600 in fines and assessments and will serve five years of supervised release. He remains in custody awaiting transfer to a federal prison.
