Des Moines Man Arrested for Enticing a Minor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: February 25, 2026

 

Des Moines Man Arrested for Enticing a Minor

 

On February 24, 2026, 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, age 44, of Des Moines, Iowa, was arrested and charged with:

• Enticing a Minor Under 16 for Sexual Purposes
• Grooming
• 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.