Walker Man Arrested on Charges of Grooming and Enticing Minor

A Walker man has been arresting after he allegedly tried to meet up with who he believed to be a minor for sexual engagement.

Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 68-year old Jay Michael Balcom on Thursday afternoon. Balcom was charged with Grooming (Class D Felony) and Enticing a Minor (Class D Felony).

The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office says this arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office. During the investigation, Balcom communicated over the course of several weeks with an individual he believed to be an underage male on various social media platforms. Throughout these communications, Balcom requested lewd images and arranged a meeting for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity.

Balcom subsequently traveled to an undisclosed rural location in Buchanan County to meet the individual he believed to be a minor. Upon his arrival, he was taken into custody without incident.

The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Independence Police Department.

Under Iowa law, a conviction for Grooming is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine ranging from $1,025 to $10,245. A conviction for Enticing a Minor carries the same penalty. Additionally, a conviction for these offenses may require registration as a sex offender.

photo courtesy of Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office