An Iowa man has been sentenced to two decades in federal prison for sending gift cards to minors in exchange for sexually explicit videos. 53-year-old Andrew Kyte was sentenced in federal court in Cedar Rapids on Friday after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of children in June.
According to court documents, Kyte engaged in this disturbing behavior from 2017 to 2019. He would send gift cards to minors through social media platforms and then request sexually explicit videos in return. The evidence also revealed that Kyte secretly recorded a minor through a hidden spy camera.
In addition to his 20-year prison sentence, Kyte will be required to pay $24,000 in restitution to six minor victims impacted by his crimes. He will also serve a five-year term of supervised release after his prison sentence is complete.
“This case is a tragic example of the exploitation of children,” said U.S. Attorney Sean Berry. “The lengthy sentence imposed by the court reflects the seriousness of this crime and our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.”
The sentence has brought a sense of relief to the Cedar Rapids community. Many residents expressed their appreciation for the swift and decisive action taken by law enforcement and the justice system.
This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against child sexual exploitation. It is important to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. By working together, we can help protect children and ensure that those who harm them are brought to justice.
