A LeMars man has been arrested following an undercover investigation by the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say the arrest happened Friday morning at approximately 11:05.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, 22-year-old Jorden Lee Berkenpas of LeMars was taken into custody after allegedly engaging in explicit online conversations with an undercover deputy who was posing as a 15-year-old girl.
Berkenpas was transported to the Sioux County Jail, where he faces a charge of sexual exploitation of a minor, a Class B felony, and grooming, a Class D felony.
The Sioux Center Police Department assisted with the investigation.
Authorities remind the public that a criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
