AMES – Iowa State University Police made an arrest Tuesday morning in a child sexual exploitation case. 

According to the press release, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children notified law enforcement in February 2024 of an individual suspected of uploading sexual exploitation material to social media accounts.

Jacob P. Sauer, 21, of Olathe, Kansas, was arrested and charged with sexual exploitation of a minor, a Class B Felony,  possession of depictions of minors engaged in sex acts, a Class D Felony, and possession of a controlled substance, a Serious Misdemeanor

Sauer’s actions are alleged to have spanned over a year, including the possession and distribution of child pornography.

The now-former student was arrested in Kansas, where he is being held pending extradition back to Iowa. If convicted, Sauer could face up to five years in prison. 

ISU Police were assigned to this investigation by the Olathe Police Department and the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. 

Questions regarding this case may be directed to Lieutenant Jason Rieder, ISU Police, at 515-294-4428.