Des Moines Predator Kimball Indicted in Child Sex Case

DES MOINES, IA – Dennis Eugene Kimball, 57, of Des Moines, is facing a lengthy federal prison sentence after being indicted by a grand jury on November 17, 2021, on charges stemming from a sickening attempt to prey on a child. Kimball is accused of attempting to produce child pornography, enticement of a minor, and related offenses, according to documents filed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

The investigation revealed Kimball engaged in online communication with an undercover officer posing as a minor female. Court records detail how Kimball arranged a meeting at an area motel with the intent of engaging in sexual acts. But the ‘minor’ was a law enforcement operative, and Kimball walked directly into a carefully constructed trap. The indictment doesn’t stop there; Kimball allegedly requested sexually explicit images from the undercover officer and, in turn, sent videos of himself committing lewd acts.

Kimball is now formally charged with attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, enticement and attempted enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activities, transfer and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, use and attempted use of interstate facilities to transmit information about a minor, and commission of a felony offense involving a minor by a registered sex offender – a particularly damning charge that suggests a prior conviction. He was arraigned on November 19, 2021, and is currently being held without bail, awaiting trial.

If convicted on all counts, Kimball faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years behind bars. However, the final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant statutory factors. Grimy Times will continue to monitor this case and report on the sentencing.

The investigation was a collaborative effort led by the Altoona Police Department, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assisting agencies included the Iowa Division of Intelligence, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Polk County Attorney’s Office. This coordinated takedown sends a clear message that these types of predatory acts will not be tolerated.

It is crucial to remember that an indictment represents an accusation, and Kimball is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. However, the evidence presented thus far paints a disturbing picture of a predator attempting to exploit vulnerable children. Grimy Times will provide updates as this case progresses through the legal system.