South Sioux City Police arrested a local man Thursday after he allegedly was found to be making contact with a minor girl via cell phone.
According to a report released by Chief Steve Heide, an investigation was initiated on Oct. 24 after a concerned parent discovered multiple texts between the parent’s minor daughter and James Wagner, a former Dakota County Sheriff. The child’s cell phone was turned over to law enforcement and a forensic acquisition was obtained.
Law enforcement learned that Wagner was aware that the minor’s phone was routinely checked by the mother and he allegedly instructed the minor to use a code word to confirm that he was texting the minor and not another person. The minor was also instructed to delete the conversation. Wagner received multiple photographs and videos from the minor, reports indicate.
After confiscating the phone, law enforcement re-established contact with Wagner using the code word and set up a meeting. Wagner arrived at the location and he was arrested without incident.
According to the SSCPD release, Wagner is being charged with the following:
— Child Abuse 28-707(4) - Class IIIA felony.
— Contributing to the delinquency of a child 28-709 - Class I misdemeanor.
— (10) Counts of Child sexual abuse material: possess or receive - Class IIA felony.
— Child sexual abuse material : prohibited acts - Class ID felony.
The investigation is ongoing at press time, and Wagner is being held in the Dakota County Jail on a $250,000 bond.
