A Maurice man has been arrested on multiple felony charges involving sexual exploitation of a minor following an investigation by the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office.
According to Sioux County arrest records, 19-year-old Ashton Benjamin Weida, of Maurice, was arrested on February 25th by the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office.
Weida faces six felony counts across two separate cases, including sexual exploitation of a minor, grooming, and aggravated possession of media depicting the exploitation of a minor.
According to court documents, the charges stem from an investigation that began in December 2025 after authorities received reports of inappropriate electronic communications involving a minor. Investigators later obtained search warrants and reviewed digital communications as part of the case.
Court records show the charges stem from an investigation into alleged electronic communications involving a minor.
Weida was held on a $50,000 cash or surety bond and was released on February 26th after posting bond through a bondsman.
If convicted on all counts, Weida could face a maximum possible sentence of up to 50 years in prison under Iowa law, though actual sentences are often lower because judges may order terms to run concurrently rather than consecutively.
The case remains pending in Sioux County District Court.
