International Edition
Latest News
Technology

Former Eagle Grove Police Officer Colt Richardson Fired Over Snapchat Misconduct

Former Eagle Grove Officer Colt Richardson Sentenced for Sending Obscene Material to Minor A former police officer from Eagle Grove, Iowa, has received his sentence after pleading guilty to charges involving the dissemination of obscene materials to a…

Former Eagle Grove Police Officer Colt Richardson Fired Over Snapchat Misconduct

Former Eagle Grove Officer Colt Richardson Sentenced for Sending Obscene Material to Minor

A former police officer from Eagle Grove, Iowa, has received his sentence after pleading guilty to charges involving the dissemination of obscene materials to a minor. Colt Richardson, a resident of Webster City, was sentenced to 30 days in jail and a suspended two-year prison sentence following a legal process that began after his termination from the police force.

The Details of the Case

The investigation revealed that in December 2024, Richardson used the social media platform Snapchat to send explicit images to a minor. According to criminal complaints, the misconduct occurred on two separate occasions; one instance took place although Richardson was on duty at the Eagle Grove Police Department, and the second occurred while he was off duty.

The case was investigated with assistance from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. Following these discoveries, Richardson’s employment with the Eagle Grove Police Department was terminated.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Court filings indicate that Richardson pleaded guilty to first-degree harassment and two counts of telephone dissemination of obscene material to a minor. After a sentencing hearing, the court handed down a sentence that includes 30 days in jail.

In addition to the immediate jail time, Richardson received a suspended two-year prison sentence, placing further legal restrictions on the former officer.

Key Takeaways

  • Defendant: Colt Richardson, former Eagle Grove police officer and Webster City resident.
  • Charges: Two counts of telephone dissemination of obscene material to a minor and first-degree harassment.
  • Method: Explicit images were sent via Snapchat in December 2024.
  • Sentencing: 30 days in jail and a suspended two-year prison sentence.
  • Employment Impact: Richardson was fired from the Eagle Grove Police Department.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the incidents occur?

The explicit images were sent to a minor in December 2024.

Was the officer on duty during the crimes?

Yes, according to reports from KCRG, one instance occurred while Richardson was on duty at the Eagle Grove Police Department, while another occurred while he was off duty.

Who assisted in the investigation?

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation provided assistance in the case.

About the author: Anika Shah - Technology

MSc in Computer Science, senior reporter. Anika focuses on AI ethics, cybersecurity, and emerging hardware—frequently moderating panels at CES and Web Summit. “Anika Shah decodes tech breakthroughs and startup disruption shaping tomorrow’s digital landscape.”