A fifth arrest has been made in an online predator sting operation that earlier resulted in charges against a former northeast Iowa teacher.
The Manchester Police Department (MPD) says, in conjunction with Operation Castle, MPD’s undercover officer (UC), 52-year-old Michael Wiezorek of Nevada, IA, was apprehended on Monday (01.05). According to a release from Manchester Police Chief Benjamin Davis, the arrest comes after Wiezorek allegedly set up a meeting with the UC.
Davis says, “For the last few weeks, Wiezorek groomed and sent illicit messages to the UC, finally promoting to meet in person for sexual activity. Wiezorek traveled from Nevada, secured a hotel room, and traveled to the meet up location with the intent to have sexual activity with a minor.”
Davis adds that Manchester Officers cleansed the meetup area and took Wiezorek into custody without any incident. He has been charged with grooming, a Class D felony, and he becomes the latest arrest made in conjunction with previous efforts of Operation Castle, which led to four subjects taken into custody in November, including 32-year-old, now-former Turkey Valley High School music instructor, Alex LaFrenz.
LaFrenz resigned his position with the Turkey Valley School District in December and pleaded not guilty to charges of grooming and enticing a minor under 16 for sexual purpose, Class D felonies, and exhibition of obscene material to a minor, a serious misdemeanor.
He is scheduled for trial March 18th in Delaware County District Court.
