Creston Police: Des Moines man arrested for enticing a minor

Ryan Anderson, 44, of Des Moines, was taken into custody at approximately 5:46 p.m., Tuesday, on the charges of enticing a minor under 16 for sexual purposes, grooming and dissemination and exhibition of obscene material to a minor.

According to a Creston Police press release, 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. Anderson 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.

“The Creston Police Department remains committed to protecting children and proactively investigating crimes involving the exploitation of minors,” the press release states.

Anderson was transported to the Union County Jail where he was released from after posting $11,000 cash or surety bond.