BREAKING: ISU graduate arrested for exploitation of a minor on campus

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An Iowa State Police officer at a traffic stop on Union Drive. 

Investigators arrested an Iowa State alumnus for possession of explicit materials of a minor Wednesday, according to a press release from the university’s department of public safety.

The suspect, 22-year old Benjamin Cooper, graduated from Iowa State and moved to Wisconsin during the course of an investigation on him for possession of explicit pictures and videos of children.

Iowa State University Police received notice of the ongoing investigation June 2021 from the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin.

The joint investigation, which stemmed from a virtual tip, revealed Cooper acquired the materials while on campus. according to the release. ISU Police continued the investigation, in conjunction with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and confirmed the individuals in the images and videos were underage.

After consultation with the Story County Attorney’s Office, Cooper was charged with six counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.

Further legal proceedings will take place in Story County.