Former Waukee Cub Scout Leader Sentenced to Four Years in Child Pornography Case

Jonathan David Payne, a former Waukee Cub Scout leader and father of two, will spend four years in prison for possessing child pornography.

In federal court papers filed June 1, Payne was sentenced to 48 months in prison and another five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to a crime victims assistance fund and required to forfeit all computer and related equipment used to commit the offense.

Payne's case was officially closed June 27.

Court officials recommended that Payne be placed in a facility as close to Iowa as possible. He was taken into custody immediately following his sentencing.

Upon his release from prison, Payne will be required to register as a sex offender in the state where he lives.

History of the Case

Payne's case came to light in October 2011 when he was arrested and charged with two counts of receiving and possessing child pornography after pornographic images were found on Payne's home computer.

On March 26, Payne pleaded guilty to a single count of possessing child pornography. The agreement dismissed the charge of receiving child pornography.

The possession conviction typically carries a maximum punishment of up to 10 years in prison with a maximum fine of $250,000. Payne's plea agreement recommended that the court impose a sentence of 48 months in prison.

Before His Arrest

Payne was a former Cub Scout leader with Pack 181, which drew children from the Waukee, Urbandale and Clive areas. 

Upon his arrest, , according to Bob Hopper, chief executive for the Mid Iowa Council of Boy Scouts.

Once released from prison, Payne will not be allowed contact - "personal, electronic, mail or otherwise - with any child under the age of 18, including employment" without approval a of U.S. Probation Officer.

For more information on this story, you might read: