How Could You? Hall of Shame-David Michael Woods

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

This is a 2023 case.

From Davenport, Iowa, foster and adoptive parent, David Michael Woods, “was convicted by a jury of four counts related to the production, distribution, and possession of child pornography. The charges stemmed from his sexual abuse of his 12-year-old foster son and 15-year-old adopted son, which he documented and distributed. The district court sentenced him to a total of 1,200 months in prison. Woods appealed his conviction and sentence.

In the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, Woods was allowed to represent himself after a Faretta hearing, despite the court’s warnings about the dangers of self-representation. The jury found him guilty on all counts. Woods did not object to the court’s decision to allow him to represent himself at trial.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit reviewed the case. Woods argued that he did not validly waive his right to counsel, but the court found that the district court’s Faretta inquiry was sufficient. The court also rejected Woods’s claims regarding the district court’s reasonable doubt instruction, the alleged coercion of his decision not to testify, and the warning given to a potential witness about perjury. Additionally, the court found no cumulative error that would warrant a new trial.

Woods also challenged the imposition of a $2,500 assessment under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act, arguing that he lacked the ability to pay. The court held that Woods did not meet his burden to prove indigence and noted that he could earn money while serving his sentence.

The Eighth Circuit affirmed the district court’s judgment, upholding Woods’s conviction and sentence.”

U.S. v. Woods, No. 24-1102 (8th Cir. 2025)
[Justia 5/23/25]

“According to public court documents and evidence presented at trial, David Michael Woods, 51, sexually abused two children in his care, allowed other adult men to sexually abuse the children, produced recordings of the abuse and other sexual images of the children, and distributed the images he produced to others. Woods was convicted after a jury trial in September 2023.”

“There is no parole in the federal system.”

Davenport Man Sentenced to 100 Years in Federal Prison for Production and Distribution of Child Pornography
[US Attorneys Office Southern District of Iowa 1/22/24]

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