An Iowa man has been arrested on multiple charges after soliciting a Stafford County child through social media.

In May of 2021, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the father of a 13-year-old female. The parent reported the child was befriended by a male through social media. After grooming the victim, an inappropriate relationship was developed and the suspect requested explicit images and videos from the victim. The victim was then used to recruit other underage victims through social media platforms.

Detective T.S. Martin was assigned the case and identified the suspect as Shiran Nathaniel, 48, of Sioux City, Iowa. The investigation revealed Nathaniel used the internet at his home and place of work to solicit minors. Last month, a search warrant of Nathaniel’s residence was executed and he was found to be in possession of child pornography.

As a result of the investigation, Nathaniel has been charged with indecent liberties with a child, two counts of production of child pornography, and two counts of use of a communication system to facilitate offenses involving children. Nathaniel is currently being held at the Woodbury County Jail where he awaits extradition.

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Sioux City Police Department and the Iowa branch of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their assistance with this case.