Newton police arrest Des Moines man for sexual exploitation of a minor

Authorities have arrested a 43-year-old Des Moines man for engaging in sexual online communications with a Newton police detective posing as a minor.

According to a press release from the Newton Police Department, Matthew Powell was taken into custody at 9:46 a.m. on July 30 and transported to the Jasper County Jail. Police allege Powell was in communications with the officer posing as a minor for several months.

Powell has been charged with four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor (Class B felony), enticing a minor under 16 for a sexual purpose (Class D felony), grooming (Class D felony) and 10 counts of distribution of obscene material to a minor (aggravated misdemeanor).

Aggravated misdemeanors have a potential penalty of $6,250 in fines and up two years imprisonment. Class D felonies have a potential penalty of $7,500 in fines and up to five years imprisonment. Class B felonies have a potential penalty of up to 25 years imprisonment.