Former ISU men’s basketball assistant coach Randy Brown will appear before a U.S. magistrate Tuesday afternoon for the first time after being charged last week with one count of possession of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and an additional count of obstruction of justice.

The initial appearance will take place at 3:30 p.m. at the U.S. Courthouse in Des Moines. Al Overbaugh, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s office, said U.S. Attorney Rich Richards is handling the case.

If convicted on both charges, Brown could face up to 15 years in prison.

According to statements filed by both the U.S. Postal Inspector and ISU Police, computer disks containing images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct were found in Brown’s home and office.

ISU Police Sgt. Aaron DeLashmutt said ISU Police were initially contacted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Police learned an individual on the ISU network was reportedly having online conversations and soliciting sex from what was believed to be a 15-year-old female.

Further investigation linked the Internet protocol address to Brown.

DeLashmutt said he and U.S. Postal Inspector W. Kevin Marshall interviewed Brown and, after obtaining a search warrant, searched Brown’s office.

During the interview, Marshall said Brown admitted to officials he destroyed about 30 computer disks containing images of minors engaging in sexual activity after he had been encouraged not to do so.

Several attempts to reach Brown by phone and e-mail have been unsuccessful.

— Jill Sederstrom