James Kooima, Child Pornography Production, South Dakota 2025
Former Area Soccer Coach Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child Pornography
SIOUX FALLS - James Kooima, a 47-year-old man from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for producing child pornography.
The sentencing took place on September 29, 2025. Kooima was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release, pay a special assessment to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 in the amount of $5,000, pay a special assessment to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance in the amount of $7,500, and pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Kooima's conviction stemmed from an incident in the winter of 2023, when he used Snapchat to befriend a 14-year-old girl from Maine. He manipulated her into believing they were in a romantic relationship, then coerced her into creating and sending him sexually explicit videos and images of herself, including images in which she was using an object to penetrate her vagina.
'Online sexual predators are among the most serious threats to children and adolescents in our community,' said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. 'Unfortunately, it is becoming almost commonplace to see adolescents targeted through applications like Snapchat and pressured into sending compromising photos and videos of themselves. We must remain vigilant in monitoring online activity and educating our children about the risks associated with social media.'
This case was investigated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Homeland Security Investigations, the Sioux Falls Police Department, and DCI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.
Kooima was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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