Stephen’s plea carries 180 years in prison

     Greg Stephen of Monticello entered into a plea agreement in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids on Oct. 18.

     As part of the plea deal, Stephen will plead guilty to seven different criminal counts. Counts one through five charge Stephen with Sexual Exploitation of a Minor – Production of Child Pornography. Count six charges him with Child Pornography; and count seven charges him with Transporting Child Pornography (over state lines).

     Court documents stated each of the first five counts involved a different male minor victim.

     In addition to the charges, Stephen forfeits all electronic, storage, communication, and recording devices that he used to commit the criminal offenses.

     Counts one through five each carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, and a maximum sentence of 30 years, as well as a maximum fine of $250,000 per count, and supervised release for life. Count six carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and supervised release. Counts seven carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and supervised release.

     The court may choose to run the sentences consecutively.

     Upon Stephen’s release from prison, should he violate the terms of his release, he could also be sentenced to five years in prison, without acknowledging credit for time previously served.

     In addition to prison time and the fines, Stephen is also required to pay victim restitution, in an amount determined by the court.

     Stephen remains in custody until the sentencing hearing, to be set at a late date.