A man on the Iowa Sex Offender Registry is accused of sending illicit messages to a minor and attempting to meet the child to commit illegal activities.
36-year-old Steven Anthony Smith of Ottumwa has been charged with drug distribution violation to a person under 18, sex offender registration violation – second offense, enticing a minor under 18, purchase/possession of minor in a sex act – first offense, possession of marijuana – third or subsequent offense, and telephone dissemination of obscene material to a minor.
Court records say on October 6, Smith, a registered sex offender, sent nude photos of himself to a 14-year-old girl and solicited the child to send illicit photos of her. Smith stated his intention of wanting to meet the victim and commit various sexual acts with her. Additionally, Smith offered to obtain marijuana and smoke it with the victim.
According to Ottumwa police, Smith failed to register a phone number that he used to entice the child. Part of Smith’s duties while on the sex offender registry is to notify the local jurisdiction of his phone number.
Smith was arrested and transported to the Wapello County Jail. He is being held on a $25,000 bond.
