Local resident charged after multi-jurisdictional online investigation
A Des Moines man was arrested after an online child predator operation led by the Council Bluffs Police Department identified individuals allegedly attempting to exploit minors through internet communications.
Authorities took Thomas Benjamin Stone of Des Moines into custody following the conclusion of the operation. The Pottawattamie County Attorney’s Office approved multiple charges against Stone, and he is being held at the Pottawattamie County Jail on a $25,000 cash bond.
- Defendant: Thomas Benjamin Stone, Des Moines resident
- Location of arrest: Council Bluffs operation; custody in Pottawattamie County
- Bail: $25,000 cash bond
Charges laid out by prosecutors
Prosecutors approved the following charges against Stone:
| Charge | Iowa Code |
|---|---|
| Grooming | 709.8A |
| Phone dissemination of obscene materials to a minor | 728.15(1) |
| Sexual exploitation of a minor | 728.12(1) |
What law enforcement is telling the public
The Council Bluffs Police Department said it is focused on protecting children and bringing to account people who try to exploit them online. The department also urged parents and guardians to talk with children about internet safety, to monitor online activity and to report suspicious behavior to police.
"We remain committed to protecting children and holding accountable those who seek to exploit them," the department said.
Local implications
Cases like this underscore an ongoing challenge for families and law enforcement across Iowa: as children and teens spend more time online, the potential for predatory behavior increases. While this investigation was led by Council Bluffs officers, the arrest of a Des Moines resident highlights the cross-jurisdictional nature of online crime and the need for coordination between agencies.
Residents with concerns about online safety can take practical steps to reduce risk: maintain open conversations with young people about internet behavior, review privacy settings on devices and social accounts, and report suspected predatory contacts to local police or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
The Pottawattamie County Attorney’s Office approved the charges and the case will proceed through the county court system. No additional information about Stone’s next court date was released in the initial statement.
News Block will follow court filings and any further developments in this case as they become available.
