Wapello man charged with 27 counts of sexual exploitation

WAPELLO — On Feb. 9 at 8:30 a.m. multiple law enforcement agencies conducted a residential search warrant at 426 N Main St. in Wapello in reference to a three-month investigation into the distribution and sexual exploitation of minors and collection of child pornography, after a cyber tip was sent to our office.

During this investigation our office worked with the Burlington Police Investigations Unit and State of Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

As a result of this investigation and search warrant, Garyth Peck, age 22, of 426 N Main St. in Wapello was arrested and charged with (27) counts of class C felony sexual exploitation of a minor and is currently being held at the Louisa County Jail. Peck’s bond was set in the amount of $50,000 (CASH ONLY).

Assisting alongside the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office on the residential search warrant was the Burlington Police Department and the State of Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations Electronic Detection K9 unit. Investigation is on-going at this time and further charges are expected in this case.

*A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.*