Deputies in Iowa’s capitol city of Des Moines arrested a suspect currently on the Iowa Sex Offender Registry, for attempting to entice a child, along with several other charges. Jerry LaBlue, age 64 of Des Moines, was arrested for the following charges: Attempting to Entice a Minor, Iowa Sex Offender Registry Violation 2nd or Subsequence Offense, and OWI.
This investigation began just after 7:00 AM on the morning of March 5, 2024, when the victim’s mother called the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Communication Center and reported that a man approached her child, who was waiting for the school bus, in the area of NW 2nd St. and NW 47th Pl in Des Moines The man who was in a vehicle allegedly approached the child and offered them a ride to school. The man then left the area when the child refused to get in his vehicle.
A deputy who arrived on the scene, took the report and remained in the area while completing his report. While doing so, the deputy observed a male, matching the description of the suspect, driving a different vehicle from the one used in the attempted enticing. The deputy conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and identified the driver as Jerry LaBlue.
Deputies then began to speak with LaBlue about the contact he may have had with a child. During the investigation, it was found that LaBlue is a registered sex offender, who once exposed himself to a female child, records show. Violations of the Iowa Sex Offender Registry (SOR) were observed, leading to a SOR violation charge. Deputies spoke with witnesses as well as LaBlue, and after conferring with the Polk County Attorney’s Office, LaBlue was charged with attempted enticement of a minor. During this investigation, LaBlue showed signs of impairment which led to him being charged with OWI as well.
“This unfortunate incident ended with the best possible outcome,” police said in a statement. “The child is safe and unharmed and the suspect is in custody. This incident was resolved quickly and efficiently, starting with a very observant deputy. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to keeping the public safe and when incidents like this occur, all resources available will be utilized.”
“Child safety is and always will be a top priority for me.” Says Polk County Sheriff Kevin Schneider, “You can see by the work done in this case that my deputies share that priority. I am very proud of the work the men and women of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office do every day.”
