Jeremy Kozak, 39, stood silently in a virtual courtroom on August 10, 2020, as federal prosecutors laid bare his attempt to lure a 13-year-old girl into a sexual encounter through online messages. Kozak didn’t face the girl—he never would. Instead, he communicated with an undercover officer after law enforcement seized control of the victim’s account, walking deeper into a trap of his own design.
The digital breadcrumbs led from keystrokes to pavement: Kozak drove from Nebraska to Sioux Rapids, Iowa, believing he was meeting the child for sex. What waited for him was a team of federal and state agents with the Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. He was arrested on the spot, his journey ending not in gratification, but in handcuffs and a federal indictment.
Kozak now faces a minimum of 10 years in federal prison, with the possibility of life behind bars after pleading guilty to attempted enticement of a minor. The charge, brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa, underscores the reach of federal law in prosecuting predators who exploit digital platforms to target children.
At 4:00 p.m. on the same day as his sentencing, law enforcement officials held a virtual press conference via WebEx to detail the case and sound the alarm on the growing threat of online sexual predators. Representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Buena Vista County Attorney’s Office, and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation emphasized the urgency of vigilance as kids spend more time online, often unaware of who’s watching.
The investigation began when authorities intercepted Kozak’s messages to the minor. After taking over the victim’s account, an undercover officer continued the conversation, gathering evidence while steering Kozak toward the planned meeting. The operation, cold and precise, exposed the predator’s intent without ever putting the child at risk.
Media who wished to attend the press conference were required to RSVP by noon on August 10, 2020, to Tony Morfitt at tony.morfitt@usdoj.gov or by calling 319-731-4025. Press materials and interview opportunities were made available following the event. Follow updates from the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
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Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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