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Ames man receives suspended sentence, probation for sexual exploitation of minor

Ames Tribune - 8/2/2018

Aug. 02--An Ames man arrested last November for allegedly sending and receiving explicit photos and engaging in sexual acts with a minor was given a suspended sentence and three years of probation this week.

James Edwards Button, 24, was arrested Nov. 13, 2017, and was originally charged with third-degree sexual abuse -- forcible rape, sexual exploitation of a minor -- photo, sexual exploitation of a minor -- purchase or visual, and drug possession of a controlled substance.

He pleaded guilty in April to sexual exploitation of a minor, a class C felony, and dissemination of obscene material to a minor, an aggravated misdemeanor, after allegedly sending and receiving explicit photos, and engaging in sexual acts with a 15-year-old girl in early 2017.

According to previous Tribune reporting, the victim in the case and her parents reported the incident to police in June 2017, telling officers that Button and the 15-year-old victim had been communicating through Facebook Messenger since the prior April. Ames Police Cmdr. Geoff Huff said the two had a sexually explicit conversation, in which they talked about performing sex acts and exchanged explicit photos.

Huff said Button initially denied having a sexual relationship with the victim. But when Button was interviewed in August 2017, Huff said he admitted he had sexual contact with the victim on three separate occasions in May and June at Brookside Park.

Button was sentenced on Monday, receiving a 10-year suspended prison sentence and three years of probation with placement in a halfway house, according to Story County Attorney Jessica Reynolds.

Button is also required to pay a $1,000 fine, register as a sex offender and abide by a no-contact order issued for the victim in the case and the victim's family, among other requirements.

Due to the nature of the charges Button pleaded guilty to, once he serves the initial three years of probation, he will be required to complete a lifetime special sentence, which equates to a lifetime of probation, Reynolds said.

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