CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Cedar Rapids police have arrested 14 people since January as part of an ongoing child exploitation investigation.
The Cedar Rapids Police Department launched a decoy program in 2024 where investigators pose as minors on internet and social media sites. More than 50 arrests have been made since the operation began.
Investigators say they’ve been solicited by individuals who agree to meet in person or exchange sexual content or acts for a fee. Lt. Tony Robinson, supervisor of the Criminal Investigation Division, says the arrests show parents need to stay vigilant.
“Parents need to be aware of what children are doing on their devices because there are individuals in and outside our community who are willing to travel to exploit children,” Robinson said.
He added that child predators who target and entice children will be held accountable. Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks has worked closely with the police team and says his office has taken a hard line on crimes that harm children.
“Since this operation began in 2024, our office has filed approximately 29 individual counts of Enticing a Minor, 21 individual counts of Grooming, 16 individuals counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and 9 counts of Prostitution of a Minor, along with other related charges,” Maybanks said.
He says offenders have faced and will continue to face prison time or placement on the Sex Offender Registry. Maybanks says the message to potential offenders is clear.
“If you are online and you are either seeking out minors or you encounter minors and begin corresponding with minors in a sexual manner, you will be caught, and you will face severe consequences,” Maybanks said.
The operation is ongoing.
