NEWTON – A Des Moines man was arrested in Newton this week on online child exploitation charges.

According to the Newton Police Department, 32-year-old Jerad Wayne Sassman of Des Moines engaged in online communication of a sexual nature with a Newton Police detective who was posing as a minor. The communication lasted for several months.

On Tuesday, June 2, at approximately 8:04am, Sassman was taken into custody and transported to the Jasper County Jail. He now faces multiple criminal charges, including:

• Enticing a Minor Under 16 for a Sexual Purpose (class D felony)
• Grooming (class D felony)
• 6 counts of Distribution of Obscene Material to a Minor (aggravated misdemeanor)

Sassman is currently free after posting a $22,000 bond. His initial court appearance is scheduled for June 16.