Marion man faces exploitation and enticement charges

A Marion man faces enticement and multiple exploitation charges in two counties after investigators say he tried to solicit nude photos from a minor, and tried to meet with investigators posing as a 14-year-old girl.

Michael A. Pearson, 40, of Marion, made his initial appearance in Linn County District Court Friday morning on charges of sexual exploitation, enticing a minor under age 16 and grooming. He remains jailed on $50,000 cash-only bail.

Investigators say Pearson contacted a spoof Facebook profile being operated by Cedar Rapids Police. After being told the profile belonged to a 14-year-old female freshman, Pearson continued engaging in sexual conversation and asked for naked photos.

Four days later, Pearson arranged to meet at Jones Park in Cedar Rapids. Before arriving, Pearson discussed sexual acts and how they would go once they met. Pearson arrived at the park on Jan. 28, 2025 and was instead met by investigators. He admitted to conversing with an online profile he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, according to a complaint filed by Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks.

Pearson faces an additional three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor in Jones County, where he has been in custody since February.

In that case, Pearson, who was living in Anamosa at the time, is accused of texting a minor via a text app on multiple occasions between April 7 and Dec. 24, 2024. He asked for naked photos from the girl on multiple occasions. The female told Pearson she was a minor and ignored his requests, criminal complaints state.

If convicted on all of the charges, Pearson would face a total of 105 years in prison.