SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — A former middle school teacher from northwest Iowa could spend three decades in federal prison after authorities said she sexually exploited a student.

On Wednesday, April 30, Samantha Meyer-Davis, 32, of Rutland, Iowa, pleaded guilty in federal court in Sioux City to sexual exploitation of a child. She must serve at least 15 years in federal prison and could spend as many as 30 years incarcerated. There is no parole for federal crimes.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Meyer-Davis admitted to sexually exploiting the student from May 2022 through November 2023. She had denied any improper relations to school administrators multiple times.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said it was made aware in September 2023 of a possible sexual relationship between a high school student and a middle school teacher. Evidence from an investigation showed that the student was 14 when the relationship began.

Meyer-Davis had initially denied any inappropriate relationship to law enforcement but ultimately confessed after they presented photographic evidence of her “kissing the student who was in a state of undress,” the DOJ said.

Meyer-Davis and the student had also exchanged over 130 photos and over 60 videos related to and depicting child pornography. According to the DOJ, some of the content showed “sadistic and masochistic conduct.”

She was arrested by the sheriff’s office on Feb. 26, 2024 after turning herself in, though she bonded out. Her original charges were third-degree sexual abuse and sexual exploitation by a school employee, both felonies under Iowa law.

Her final sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. In addition to a prison sentence, Meyer-Davis could also have to pay a $250,000 fine and serve five years of supervised release.