A Storm Lake man has been arrested and charged with 22 counts of exploitation of a minor, aggravated misdemeanors, after his computer equipment was seized and found to contain child pornography. The Storm Lake Police Department reports they arrested 58-year-old Noe Casco at his home on Hudson Street at approximately 2:30 p.m. Friday. The charges stem from an investigation that began with a complaint from the Department of Human Services (DHS) on Friday, Jan. 19. Authorities were told at that time that the husband of a babysitter had allowed a three-year-old child to view pornographic material. A search warrant was executed that day and computers and computer equipment were seized. Some of the items were transferred to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) for review. On Thursday, Jan. 25, the Storm Lake investigators allegedly located on the seized computer approximately 16 videos containing images of at least 22 unidentified minor children between the ages of approximately three and 17 engaged in sexual activity. At this time, it is believed the images were downloaded and not video recorded by the suspect. Casco was booked into the Buena Vista County jail on a $50,000 bond. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible.
