Alex Vanderveer, 20, of Knoxville was arrested on Thursday, February 23rd as part of an investigation carried out by multiple law enforcement agencies from across central Iowa.

Vanderveer was booked into the Marion County Jail after he allegedly attempted to meet what he believed to be a 14-year-old female for a sexual encounter. Court documents say Vanderveer had several exchanges with strong sexual language, promises of narcotics and a willingness to meet to perform sex acts. During the exchange Vanderveer acknowledged the age of the female and expressed concern that she would tell others about the sexual encounter. Vanderveer also faces possession of drug paraphernalia and marijuana charges. Vanderveer was arrested while he was out on bond awaiting trial for charges in Jasper County where it is alleged he sexually assaulted a 13-year-old child in November 2015.

Duane Blackford, 39, of Pleasantville was also arrested as part of the same investigation. Court documents say Blackford also allegedly attempted to meet what he believed to be a 14-year-old female for a sexual encounter. Blackford had several exchanges with strong sexual language and expressed his willingness to meet to perform sex acts. Blackford is also accused of transmitting sexually graphic messages as well as photos. Throughout the exchange Blackford acknowledged the age of the female and stated he could get in trouble.

Marion County Sheriff Jason Sandholdt tells KNIA/KRLS News this successful investigation was the product of multiple central Iowa law enforcement agencies successfully cooperating and following up on information received about individuals trying to meet with minors for sexual activities. Sandholdt goes on to say, “If adults are going to try to prey on minors, I assure the public that we will combine the resources of all of the law enforcement agencies in the area, to prevent it from happening and to bring the predators to justice.”