Michael Heinitz, Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Iowa 2023

Urbana Man Pleads Guilty to Recording Child Porn

A 20-year-old man from Urbana, Iowa, has pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting a child.

Michael Heinitz was convicted of one count of sexual exploitation of a child in federal court in Cedar Rapids on August 4, 2023. Heinitz admitted to recording sexually explicit videos of a four-year-old girl between August and September 2022.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.

Heinitz faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years' imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 30 years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, $55,100 in special assessments, and supervised release for 5 years to life following any imprisonment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

Heinitz remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. A presentence report will be prepared before sentencing is set.

This case is a reminder of the importance of protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse. The public is urged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndia/pr/urbana-man-pleads-guilty-sexual-exploitation-child