STORY COUNTY, Iowa — An Iowa State University student accused of sexually exploiting minors on social media is now facing more charges.

In March, the Iowa State University Police Department announced the arrest of 43-year-old Patrick A. Connerley for alleged communications with minors on social media.

According to ISUPD, the investigation into Connerley began in February when law enforcement agencies in Texas alerted them of Connerley communicating with multiple minors on social media and other online chat applications. The conversations allegedly entailed sexual messages and details about sex acts with minors.

At the time, Connerley was booked into the Story County Jail on two counts of enticing a minor, one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, and one count of grooming.

According to court records, when Connerley was taken into custody by law enforcement two cell phones were found in his possession. A search warrant was obtained for the phones and during the execution of the warrant, detectives discovered additional evidence, including inappropriate photos of minors, as well as videos showing sexual acts with an animal, court records state.

On Sunday, Connerley was additionally charged with two counts of purchase/possess depiction of minor in sex act first-offense and one count of bestiality. He remains booked in the Story County Jail.

A preliminary hearing for the new charges is scheduled for July 25. Court records show that Connerley pled not guilty to the initial charges, and a jury trial is scheduled for September 16 for that case.

If convicted of the charges pertaining to sex crimes against minors, Connerley would face an enhanced sentence as he was convicted of similar charges in 2015.

Metro News: