A Barnes City man faces charges after an apartment search for alleged photographs on his electronics.
60-year-old Paul Westphal of Barnes City was charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.
On June 28, authorities say a search was conducted in an apartment on Pine Street after the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. According to officers, all electronic devices in Westphal’s possession were seized.
The sheriff’s office conducted a second search warrant at Westphal’s apartment where further evidence was obtained. The investigation is ongoing and more charges are expected to be filed against Westphal.
Westphal was taken to the Mahaska County Jail. He has a $500,000 bond.
