KALONA

Keegan Gingerich, 21, of Kalona was arrested Thursday, Feb. 1 on five charges, including Class B, C, and D felonies. Bail has been set for $100,000 cash only.

Complaints were filed with the court with an offense date of Jan. 24, 2024. Gingerich faces the following felony charges as a result: Sexual Exploitation of a Minor – Cause to Engage in Act; Stalking – Person Under 18 Years of Age; Stalking – Using Technological Device; and Purchase/Possess Depiction of Minor in Sex Act 1st Offense. In addition, he is charged with Invasion of Privacy, an aggravated misdemeanor.

An aggravated misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for up to two years; A Class D felony, up to five years; Class C, up to 10 years; and Class B, no more than 25 years. Fines and additional supervision may also apply.

A no contact order has also been issued by the Washington County District Court, which prohibits physical or verbal contact between parties.

Court records show an order filed requesting a court-appointed attorney, and a comment indicating Gingerich is not eligible for such.

This is not Gingerich’s first entanglement with the courts, records indicate. He pleaded guilty to Failure to Maintain Control charges in 2019, and charges of Drag Racing and Serious Injury by Vehicle stemming from an incident in 2021 were dismissed.

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Friday, Feb. 9 at 11 a.m. at the Washington County Courthouse. Bond review is set for Friday, Feb. 16 at 9:45 a.m.

Every person accused of any crime is considered innocent until proven guilty.