Jason Koontz, Attempted Enticement of a Minor, Iowa 2017

A man who attempted to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity has pleaded guilty in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Jason Koontz, age 34, from Clarence, Iowa, was convicted of one count of attempted enticement of a minor.

At the plea hearing, Koontz admitted that, in July 2017, he attempted to persuade, induce, or entice a person who he believed to be a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.

Koontz remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared.

Koontz faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, $5,100 in special assessments, and supervised release for 5 years to life following any imprisonment.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Koontz’s case is a reminder of the importance of protecting our children from predators and ensuring that those who would harm them are held accountable.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndia/pr/clarence-man-pleads-guilty-attempting-entice-minor