Marion woman will be released pending federal trial for sex exploitation, magistrate rules

CEDAR RAPIDS - A 27-year-old Marion woman was released Wednesday pending trial on federal charges accusing her, along with her husband, of contacting a 15-year-old girl through Facebook for sex and sending explicit photos to the girl.

Jennifer Darling and her husband, Michael Darling, whose age and address are not listed in court records, were each charged last week in U.S. District Court with sexual exploitation of a child, enticement of a minor and receipt of child pornography. Both of them pleaded not guilty last week, and their trial is set for June 22.

During the detention hearing for Jennifer Darling, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Agent Michael McVey testified the couple asked the 15-year-old, a frequent runaway, to send them explicit photos and videos, and the couple also sent the girl explicit photos of themselves.

McVey said there were also Facebook messages from the Darlings to the girl about meeting her for sex. The Darlings and the girl also deleted some of the messages. In March, Michael Darling admitted to police that he sent explicit photos of himself to the girl and asked her for photos.

Jennifer Darling admitted to police that she and her husband had sex with the girl and had asked her for explicit photos, McVey said.

McVey said initially, the girl told the Darlings she was going to turn 16, but the Darlings continued to pursue the girl, even after knowing her age. The girl also admitted to police she contacted the couple through social media and texts, and admitted to having sex with both of them.

U.S. Chief Magistrate Jon Scoles said the three charges against Jennifer Darling were crimes of violence, which warrant detention, and there is probable cause that she committed the offenses, but she has no criminal record and isn't a flight risk.

Scoles said he would release Jennifer Darling pending trial, but placed her on home detention in her mother's home and required her to have GPS monitoring. Other conditions include random testing for controlled substances and random searches of her computer by the probation office.

Jennifer Darling has an 18-month-old son and her 4-year-old nephew who are both living with her mother, so Scoles said DHS would be alerted and officials would likely do a home study to make sure the children are safe.

Jennifer Darling also can't have contact with the 15-year-old and Michael Darling pending the trial.

Michael Darling waived his right to a detention hearing and remains in custody pending trial.