DES MOINES, Iowa – The U-S Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa, Thursday (12/18), said a West Des Moines man was sentenced on December 16, 2025, to 35 years in federal prison for exploiting numerous minors on social media and possessing child pornography. According to court documents, 28-year-old Nicklas Ray Stanley exploited multiple minors on Snapchat and Instagram over several years. Stanley falsely told the minors that he was a similar age to them. Stanley later requested and received sexually explicit images or videos from many minor victims. Stanley’s conduct included threatening to disseminate the minors’ imagery if they did not continue to send images to him. Stanley also encouraged some minor victims to sexually exploit their younger siblings and to engage in bestiality with their dogs and send him videos of the abuse. Stanley’s minor victims were located across the United States and in several foreign countries.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Stanley will be required to serve a 10‑year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Stanley was also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution, $35,300 in special assessments, and a fine of $12,000. In response to the conviction and sentence, United States Attorney David C. Waterman said, “Real and serious dangers exist online. Predators—like Stanley—intentionally manipulate and exploit young people while attempting to hide behind screens and false identities. While the Internet may create the illusion of anonymity, it does not provide immunity. Those who target children online will be identified, thoroughly investigated, and held fully accountable through the coordinated efforts of our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office.”

The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force, with assistance from the Urbandale Police Department and Michigan State Police.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

For more information about Internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc/publications-resources.

(Red Oak, IA) – Police in Red Oak, Thursday night, arrested 35-year-old Andrew Keith Gray, of Red Oak. He was taken into custody at around 8:30-p.m. in the 700 block of E. Oak Street, and charged with Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations (Law Enforcement/Others) – without injury, an Aggravated Misdemeanor, and Interference with Official Acts – a Simple Midemeanor. Gray was transported to the Montgomery County Jail and held on a $2,000 bond.

GREENE COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) – The Greene County Sheriff’s Office is looking for people seen on security footage breaking in and stealing from a gas station. Video from a Casey’s General Store in Scranton shows three people enter through a broken front door and pocket alcohol shooters at the cash register. The break-in happened around 11:37 p.m. Wednesday. Officials say the same people also burglarized Sparky’s in Rippey. (Still frame images shown from Casey’s surveillance video in Scranton)

Officers are also trying to identify a fourth person was was driving the getaway vehicle. The Sheriff’s Office asks anyone who recognizes the individuals or his more information to call 515-386-2136.

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – Health officials confirmed the first case of measles in Polk County in almost 30 years, Thursday. Iowa now has eight confirmed cases in 2025 as of December 17. Officials say an infant who was too young to be vaccinated tested positive. No specific source was identified, but officials believe the child picked up the illness while traveling in an area with a lot of cases.

According to the HHS, the area’s vaccination rate against measles is around 85 percent. That’s ten percentage points lower than the level needed to make the community immune. Officials say the case is a reminder to be cautious while traveling during the holidays to protect vulnerable people.

The main symptom of measles is a red, blotchy rash. Patients may also experience fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. If concerned about measles exposure, officials advise calling a doctor first rather than walking into an office.

(Radio Iowa) – State-led plans to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence are coming into focus, but state officials are inviting Iowans to get creative and plan their own celebrations throughout the state. Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer is co-chair of the America 250 initiative in Iowa.

“The America 250 celebration is our stage,” Cournoyer said. “This is our chance to shine a spotlight on our people, entrepreneurs, educators, artists, innovators, veterans and our faith communities; our attractions, our events and everyone who makes Iowa the soul of this nation.” Most events will lead up to July 4th, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence — but there will be a Harvest Festival October 24th.

Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says it will draw attention to how farming has shaped the history of Iowa and the nation. “Our founders, many of whom were founding farmers, shaped the early economy,” Naig said. “They sustained families and communities and provided the stability that allowed our country to grow and I would say allows us to grow today.” Naig says 2026 provides Iowans with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to add an America 250 twist to annual gatherings like fairs and festivals — or to create something new. “We’re excited and encouraging a lot of creativity and take the initiative locally,” Naig said. “Let’s have a wonderful celebration in a variety of ways all across the state.”

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate plans to host 250 voter registration events. “Iowa has one of the highest voter registration and participation in the country,” Pate said. “We’re really just trying to make sure that people are current on voter registration and that they remember this is a big election year (and) that they’re out there voting as well.”

The Iowa Department of Education will be hosting poem, essay and video contests. The Masons of Iowa will decorate the graves of the 42 Revolutionary War soldiers who are buried in Iowa. Iowa P-B-S will release a documentary about the Iowan who founded 4-H and another documentary about the Civil War veteran from Council Bluffs who became a key figure in the railroad industry.

The task force Governor Reynolds appointed to promote efforts in Iowa to mark America’s 250th anniversary met for the first time yesterday (Thursday) and held a kick-off event in the Capitol rotunda.

https://governor.iowa.gov/america-250/iowa-america-250-events

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A Council Bluffs man was sentenced today, December 18, 2025, to 77 months in federal prison for possessing firearms as a felon.

According to public court documents, Cornelius Lavaughn David, 37, possessed two loaded firearms, which were recovered during a traffic stop in April 2025. One of the firearms David possessed had an extended magazine loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition. David was also in possession of methamphetamine and Xanax.

At the time of the traffic stop, David was on federal supervised release for a 2023 conviction for possessing a firearm as a felon. He had been released from prison in November 2024. David was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for violating his terms of supervised release, consecutive to the 77-month sentence.

After completing his term of imprisonment, David will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A Clarinda man was sentenced today, December 18, 2025, to nine years in federal prison for receipt of child pornography.

According to public court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received CyberTips that an account, later determined to be associated with Rodney Ray Biggerstaff, 54, uploaded files containing child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement seized electronic devices during a search of Biggerstaff’s Clarinda residence. A forensic examination of a seized electronic device revealed images and videos containing child sexual abuse material depicting mostly prepubescent females.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Biggerstaff will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Biggerstaff was also ordered to pay $3000 in restitution.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Criminal Investigation-Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Child Exploitation Task Force, with assistance from the Clarinda Police Department.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

(Radio Iowa) – Nathan Sage, one of the Democrats running for the U-S Senate, says it’s time for federal guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence — and a nationwide moratorium on construction of data centers. Sage says data centers use massive amounts of electricity and water. “MidAmerican came out and talked about rates going up 13% and we have 200,000 Iowans who are right now late on their utility bills,” Sage said, “and I think that the increased demand on our power grid is going to cause a lot of problems.”

Data centers house computer servers, data storage and security technology. Sage, the former executive director of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, says these massive facilities may generate a few thousand jobs in the construction phase, but once a data center opens, it often takes fewer than 100 employees to operate. Sage is also concerned that the proliferation of data centers is happening due to the expanded use of artificial intelligence.

“I think we’re just shooting ourselves in the foot in regards to that,” Sage says. Sage says it’s like the wild, wild west right now in cutting edge technology and congress needs to implement regulations on artificial intelligence to ensure it is not only safe, but it’s not just the ultra wealthy who benefit for its use.  “As representatives, we should be taking our time to understand the issue and understand how to keep the people safe instead of just jumping in and allowing billionaires to continue to control everything and continue to gain profit,” Sage said.

The price of doing business in Iowa — including low construction costs and tax incentives — has made the state an attractive spot for data centers. Sage says he’s concerned that tech companies are buying prime farmland. “To be blunt, I believe a lot of these billionaires and corporations and these people who are multi-billionaires look at Iowa, look at the Midwest again like a lot of people do, as a fly over state,” Sage said.

It’s unclear how many data centers are currently operating in the state. A company in Demark that monitors data centers worldwide suggests there are over 100 existing or proposed data centers in Iowa. However, according to the Iowa Economic Development Authority 27 data centers are currently operating or under construction in Iowa. The U-S Department of Energy projects data centers will use up to 12 percent of all electricity generated in the U.S.

Officials with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Thursday (today) report H5 avian influenza has been confirmed in Canada geese at Green Valley Lake and at Lake of Three Fires. Staff with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) collected dead geese for testing at Iowa State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. Results were available late Wednesday.

Reports of dead geese at Green Valley Lake began on Dec. 11. Local staff began collecting geese off the ice but paused when weather conditions changed. As mild weather returned and the winds changed, the geese were more accessible and collection resumed. So far, an estimated 60 geese have been collected at the popular southwest Iowa state park. Local staff estimate thousands of geese are currently at Green Valley Lake as part of their fall migration.

The Canada goose migration had increased across much of Iowa since the end of November with the onset of cold, snowy weather. The Iowa DNR’s December 12 waterfowl survey showed the Canada goose population increased more than 30 percent over the previous week as northern lakes and marshes froze and fields were covered in snow.

“We are getting reports of influenza activity across the western half of the state, and, for the first time, mass mortality events impacting southwest Iowa which has remained fairly insulated since 2022,” said Dr. Rachel Ruden, state wildlife veterinarian with the Iowa DNR. How long the outbreak will last is uncertain. As the rain and mild weather open up additional feeding and roosting locations, waterfowl will disperse which should reduce opportunities for transmission.

The public is encouraged to keep their distance from sick geese or those that are easily approached without obvious sign of injury. Also keep pets from interacting with sick or dead birds or consuming carcass parts. While no human cases of H5 avian influenza have been linked to wild birds in the United States, there have been numerous cases linked to close contact with infected poultry and dairy cattle. Sick birds should not be handled or brought into shared living spaces.

Residents who see 20 or more carcasses in a small area are encouraged to call their local wildlife staff. Information is available online at https://www.iowadnr.gov/about/contact/staff-offices then scroll down to Wildlife Management Staff. Residents who find a single or a few birds can follow the steps for collection and disposal listed online at https://homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/resources/avian-influenza-resources.

“We encourage the public to report sick birds or other wildlife to your local wildlife biologist or conservation officer to help us track impacts of this disease. We all have a part to play in keeping Iowa’s wildlife healthy,” said Dr. Ruden.

Background

Avian influenza is a highly transmissible, naturally occurring virus found in certain waterfowl and shorebirds. There are various sub-types and strains, most of which cause limited harm to domestic poultry (low pathogenic) but some of which are lethal (highly pathogenic).

The H5N1 strain that has been circulating since 2022 is the first time HPAI has affected wild birds in North America at a large scale. HPAI can also affect animals that consume infected carcasses, including other birds like hawks, and mammals, like red fox. The virus can remain viable in a deceased bird or contaminated water for several weeks, depending upon environmental conditions.

Information for Waterfowl Hunters

Waterfowl hunters can use these simple precautions to limit their exposure while field dressing and consuming wild game: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fsc_hpai_hunters.pdf. Cooking meat to an internal temperature of 165° F can kill the virus, if present. Additionally, please bag and dispose of offal and carcass parts to prevent exposure to scavengers.

While there is some inherent risk to hunting dogs given the nature of their interaction with carcasses, sick birds often become poor, uncoordinated flyers and so are less likely to be harvested. Hunters should prevent dogs from interacting with unknown carcasses, and avoid feeding them raw meat from harvested birds. More information is available online at https://www.ducks.org/conservation/waterfowl-research-science/waterfowl-hunters-and-the-avian-flu-what-you-need-to-know.

(Exira, IA) – A residential structure fire in Audubon County, Monday morning, claimed life of an Exira resident. According to a social media post by the Exira Fire and Rescue Department, Audubon County 911 Communications received a report at around 6:41-a.m., Monday, about a structure fire in an apartment at 405 S. Carthage Street, in Exira. The Exira and Brayton Fire Departments responded to the scene, and found flames contained to a single apartment.

67-year-old Patricia Richter was located inside the apartment, and was pronounced deceased at the scene. A second occupant from an adjacent apartment was evaluated at the scene and transported by Exira Fire and Rescue to the Audubon County Memorial Hospital, for evaluation/treatment of possible smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and no other information is being released at this time.

Agencies assisting at the scene of Monday’s fire include:

• Exira Fire and Rescue
• Brayton Fire Department
• Audubon County Sheriff’s Office
• the State Fire Marshal’s Office
• Audubon County Medical Examiner
• Audubon County 911, and
• MidAmerican Energy.