North Iowa 19-Year-Old Gets Deferred Sentence for Sexual Exploitation of Minor
A north Iowa 19-year-old has been placed on probation for five years following his conviction for sexual exploitation of a minor.
In August 2023, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office arrested Wyatt Mitchell of Allison for sending sexual messages through social media to a then-13-year-old female. A search of Mitchell’s SnapChat account indicated the illegal activity started around April 20, 2023, and continued for several months. Mitchell had turned 18 on April 3, 2023.
In February, Mitchell pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor – cause to engage in the act, a Class C felony. Monday (04.15), a Butler County District Court judge issued a deferred judgment and placed Mitchell on probation for a period of five years. He’s also prohibited from possessing a firearm and a no-contact order against the victim will be in effect until April 15, 2029.
A deferred judgment means the conviction will be wiped from Mitchell’s record if he successfully completed his probation.
Mitchell is still slated for trial May 23rd for allegedly leading law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit on April 20, 2023. According to the criminal complaints, the Iowa State Patrol clocked Mitchell driving 98 mph between Allison and Clarksville. A chase with speeds estimated as fast as 127 mph ended when Mitchell crashed on Highway 3, just west of Waverly.
Mitchell was seriously injured and airlifted to University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City. He spent a month recovering before being charged with felony eluding.
