(Creston) The Creston Police Department says on Tuesday, officers conducted an undercover online operation targeting individuals attempting to exploit minors.
During the investigation, an officer posed as a 14-year-old female while communicating through an online platform. The suspect and the undercover officer later transitioned communication to a texting platform. During the conversation, the undercover officer clearly stated she was 14 years old.
Despite knowing the stated age, the suspect continued communication of a sexual nature, sent obscene material, and made arrangements to meet the purported minor for sexual purposes. The suspect then drove to a predetermined meeting location, where he was taken into custody without incident.
Ryan Anderson, 44, of Des Moines, was arrested and charged with Enticing a Minor Under 16 for Sexual Purposes, Grooming, and Dissemination and Exhibition of Obscene Material to a Minor. Anderson was transported to the Union County Jail. Bond was set at $11,000 cash or surety. He has since posted bond and been released pending further court proceedings.
“The Creston Police Department remains committed to protecting children and proactively investigating crimes involving the exploitation of minors.”
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
