Edward Lee Raiburn, Child Exploitation, Iowa 2020

DES MOINES, IA – In a shocking case of child exploitation, Edward Lee Raiburn, a 38-year-old man from Southern Oklahoma, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for producing child pornography. This disturbing offense was investigated by a joint task force including the Iowa DCI’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Des Moines Police Department, Polk County Attorney’s Office, Durant (Oklahoma) Police Department, and the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force.

According to the United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum, Raiburn pleaded guilty to the offense on June 16, 2020, and was subsequently sentenced on October 22, 2020, by United States District Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger. Following the completion of his prison term, Raiburn will be required to register as a sex offender and will be on supervised release for seven additional years.

The evidence revealed that in early summer 2019, Raiburn sexually abused a child victim in Oklahoma. He then traveled multiple times from Oklahoma to the Des Moines metro area with the intention of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with the same child. On several occasions in August 2019, Raiburn requested the child to take sexually explicit ‘selfie’ photos, which the child did, sending them to Raiburn via cellular phone.

The severity of this crime is evident in the 30-year prison sentence handed down to Raiburn. This outcome serves as a reminder of the consequences of such heinous acts and the efforts of law enforcement agencies in combating child exploitation.

The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa. The involvement of multiple agencies in this investigation highlights the complexity and seriousness of child exploitation cases.

Raiburn’s case is a stark reminder of the danger posed by individuals who prey on vulnerable children. As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this crime, it is essential to acknowledge the bravery of the victim and the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies in bringing Raiburn to justice.

Defendant: Edward Lee Raiburn

Criminal Charges: Production of child pornography

City and State: Des Moines, Iowa

Exact Date: June 16, 2020 (plea), October 22, 2020 (sentencing)

Sentence or Outcome: 30 years in federal prison, followed by 7 years of supervised release

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