(Carroll) A Carroll man who sexually exploited multiple children and possessed millions of files of child pornography was sentenced last week to 50 years in federal prison.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa says 48-year-old Lucas Oliver Knowles received the prison term after a February 23, 2024, guilty plea to sexual exploitation of a child, receipt and possession of child pornography, and possession of firearms by a prohibited person.
Evidence in the case showed that the FBI National Threat Operations Center received a tip that Knowles was sexually abusing a minor and was in possession of child sexual abuse material. When the FBI interviewed Knowles, he admitted that he produced child sexual abuse material just a few weeks prior and had been sexually abusing a child. Knowles further admitted that he had been collecting child pornography since approximately 1996 and may have millions of images. Forensic analysis of Knowles computers discovered approximately 1.07 million images and videos of child pornography including several local victims. Additionally, Knowles reported that he is a methamphetamine user and stored methamphetamine at his residence where he also possessed multiple firearms.
Knowles was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. The Court sentenced Knowles to 600 months’ imprisonment and imposed $21,400 in fines and assessments. He must also serve a 10-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Knowles is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
