A Waterloo man is facing a felony charge after Lyon County authorities say he believed he was communicating online with a 13-year-old girl who was actually an undercover law enforcement officer.
According to a criminal complaint filed by the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, 42-year-old Zachary McBride allegedly used Snapchat to communicate with the would-be victim. Investigators say McBride proposed illegal sexual acts during the conversations and allegedly sent nude images of himself.
Authorities say the investigation was part of an undercover sting operation conducted by Lyon County deputies. The complaint states that McBride later discovered the person he had been communicating with was actually a law enforcement officer.
McBride was arrested Monday on a warrant and charged with grooming, a Class D felony under Iowa law.
If convicted, McBride could face up to five years in prison.
No court dates had been scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon, and online court records did not immediately list bond or custody information.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This story is courtesy of KIWA Radio
