A 27-year-old Des Moines man is facing charges for allegedly having sex with his pre-teen step daughter. Des Moines Police spokesperson Sergeant Lori Lavorato says Joseph Ryan Moberly was arrested Saturday night at the girl’s home on Des Moines’ northside side.
Moberly is accused of having sex with the girl, who is just 12-years-old, multiple times over the past year. Police are not saying how they were alerted to the case, but Lavorato says the child’s mother was not aware of the situation. “From what we know, the mom had no knowledge of this,” Lavorato said. “It was quite a surprise to her.” The victim was transported to a hospital and later released.
Moberly had moved back into the home with the girl and her mother a few weeks ago. Lavorato says officers believe Moberly was unemployed and moved in with his estranged wife because he needed a place to stay. Moberly remains in the Polk County Jail and is currently charged with one count of 2nd degree sex abuse and one count of 3rd degree sex abuse.