Iowa Man Sentenced for Receiving Child Pornography

United States Attorney Deborah Gilg and the Federal Bureau of Investigations announce the following information for the attention of the media:

Event Triggering this Release:

Brandon J. Cole, 26 of Sioux City, Iowa was sentenced for receiving child pornography. The Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Cole to five years in prison. When he is released from prison Cole will begin a five-year term of supervised release.

Cole was employed as a Deputy Thurston County Sheriff. Cole roomed with another deputy to whom he allowed access to his, (Cole’s), computer. After observing child pornography and images of erotica on Cole’s computer, Cole’s roommate reported what he observed to the Thurston County Sheriff.

The Nebraska State Patrol was asked to investigate. On October 7, 2008, Cole consented to a search of his laptop and desktop computers. A preview of the computer was concluded in Cole’s presence. Multiple images of child pornography were observed. Cole acknowledged receiving images of females under 14 engaged in various sexual acts. Cole admitted to downloading images on the desktop and transferring them to his laptop. A full forensic review revealed six videos of child pornography and an additional 25 still images.

Name of Defendant: Brandon J. Cole
AKA:
Age: 26
City of residence: Pender. Nebraska
Crime(s) Charged and Potential Penalty (A CHARGE is merely an accusation and every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty): Receipt of child pornography, 5-20 years' imprisonment, $250,000, five years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
Specific Location of Alleged Crime: Omaha, Nebraska
Location of Arrest: Pender, Nebraska
Alleged Dollar Loss/Type and Quantity of Drug:
Others Charged in Same Scheme:
Relevant Dates:
Date of Alleged Crime: 7th day of October, 2008,
Federal Arrest Date: April 16, 2009
Date Complaint Issued: N/A
Indictment Returned Date: March 30, 2009
Initial Appearance Date: April 16, 2009
Plea or Trial and Date(s): Plead guilty on March 23, 2010
Sentencing Date: July 9, 2010
Next Court Hearing Type and Date: N/A
Assigned Magistrate Judge: Thomas D. Thalken
Held without Bond, or Released from Custody: Released form Custody
In Continuous Custody Since:
Assigned District Court Judge: Joseph F. Bataillon
Initials of Assigned AUSA/Preparer of THIS Release: MPN