March 25th, 2025

Dubuque Iowa – Jason Schmitt was sentenced after pleading guilty to a single count of Purchase/Possess Depiction of a Minor in a Sex Act – 1st Offense. This charge, which violates Iowa Code 728.12(3), is classified as an aggravated misdemeanor.

As per court documents, the offense took place on September 14, 2018. Schmitt was apprehended in December 2022 on a criminal complaint filed by the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office and subsequently arrested on a warrant in September 2024. Initially, Schmitt faced two counts of the same charge.

Dubuque District Court Judge Mark T. Hostager presided over the case and accepted Schmitt’s negotiated plea of guilty for the first count. For this charge, Schmitt received a sentence of 365 days in jail, with credit for 28 days already served. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $855 and is subject to a DNA requirement, additional sentencing conditions for sex offenders, and registration as a sex offender.

The second count against Schmitt, with an offense date of October 29, 2018, was dismissed by the court.

It is important to note that under Iowa law, a first offense of purchasing or possessing a depiction of a minor in a sex act is an aggravated misdemeanor. Penalties for such offenses can include significant jail time and fines, as well as mandatory sex offender registration.

This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation and hold offenders accountable.