Webster County makes arrest on 2nd Degree Sex Abuse, other charges

By: Donovan W. Mann – [email protected]

Lehigh, IA – A man is being held in Webster County on multiple counts, including Sex Abuse in the second degree and Child Endangerment.

The Webster County Sheriff’s office reports that on Tuesday, June 8, they met with an individual report allegations of possible child pornography on an individual’s cell phone. The suspect resided in rural Webster County and also allegedly possessed a firearm and illegal narcotics.

Through further investigation by Webster County and the Fort Dodge Criminal Investigation Division, a suspect was identified. A criminal background checked revealed the suspect was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

On June 8 the suspect Joseph Hardy, 35, of Barnum was located in Lehigh and a search warrant was executed where a cell phone, firearm and illegal narcotics were seized. Hardy is being charged Sex Abuse Second Degree with persons under the Age of 12, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Child Endangerment x2 and Possession of Marijuana.

This incident continues to remain under investigation. The Webster County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with any information to contact them or the Webster County Crime stoppers.