North Liberty Man Reaches Plea Deal in Enticement of Minor Case

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A North Liberty man accused of attempting to entice a minor for sexual purposes has reached a plea deal, according to online records. 39-year-old Jose Arturo De La Cruz Garcia was charged in 2023 after allegedly communicating online with someone he believed to be under 16 years old and arranging to meet them for sex acts.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to identify and prosecute individuals who attempt to sexually exploit minors, even through online communications. It also underscores the importance of parental supervision and education around the risks of online interactions.

The details

Police say De La Cruz Garcia began communicating online with someone he believed to be a minor in the summer of 2023, asking to meet for sex acts. During the communications, he reportedly stated he had condoms and that his residence would be empty. De La Cruz Garcia arranged to meet the person at a local Casey's convenience store, where he was taken into custody by police in September 2023.

• In the summer of 2023, De La Cruz Garcia began communicating online with someone he believed to be under 16 years old.
• In September 2023, De La Cruz Garcia was arrested at a Casey's convenience store where he had arranged to meet the person.

What’s next

Sentencing for De La Cruz Garcia is set for April 16th.