Cedar Rapids man faces second superseding federal indictment for sexual exploitation

CEDAR RAPIDS - A 23-year-old man, who coerced two girls, ages 15 and 16, into sending him sexually explicit images of themselves using threats, was indicted for sexual exploitation and possession of pornography in a second superseding indictment unsealed Wednesday in federal court.

Lucas Robinson of Cedar Rapids was indicted in U.S. District Court on one count each of sexual exploitation of children, receipt of child pornography and extortion, and two counts of possession of child pornography. According to the indictment, he possessed, received and attempted to receive images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct through the internet and his cell phone.

According to pretrial detention documents filed in November 2011, Cedar Rapids Police Officer Corey Peiffer testified they started an investigation of Robinson when Benton County law enforcement told them he admitted to sexual contact with a 16-year-old "runaway" Benton County was investigating. Robinson admitted to possessing images of the 16-year-old and receiving images from her.

Robinson also told officers he possessed sexually explicit images and a video of a 15-year-old girl.

The 15-year-old told officers she communicated with Robinson by phone and through Facebook, according to pretrial documents. The girl said she sent sexually explicit images of herself to Robinson and that he threatened to send those images to others if she didn't continue to send new photos. The girl said Robinson also threatened bodily harm to her and her family if she didn't send the photos.

Law enforcement seized Robinson's computer and found the photos and video of the two girls and 25 images of females, eight who were identified with the youngest being 12-years-old, according to the pretrial document. Officers also found the threats Robinson made on his computer and in text messages, and recovered a Facebook communications with a woman who warned Robinson that his actions could result in criminal charges. Robinson in response wrote he intended to wait and see what happened but if charged, he might kill himself.

Robinson was detained after the detention hearing and remains in jail pending trial.

His arraignment is set Jan. 16.