A former Jefferson resident is headed off to prison for 55 years after pleading guilty to having sex with a minor, following an investigation that began over one year ago.

According to court documents, 38-year-old Benjamin Ellingson pled guilty to a Class B Felony for distribution of marijuana to a person under 18, two Class C Felonies for sexual exploitation of a minor and third degree sex abuse, and two Class D Felonies for enticing a minor. All charges had their maximum prison sentences imposed and were to be served consecutively for a total of 55 years. 

The charges stemmed from an investigation that started with the Jefferson Police Department in early June of 2022. Police executed a search warrant of Ellingson’s former Jefferson home and found a USB drive that had nude photos of two juvenile victims. An interview was also conducted with the Iowa Department of Human Services where it was mentioned that Ellingson performed sex acts on the juveniles in exchange for money and to purchase an animal. 

Court documents show as part of the sentencing, Ellingson will also be on the Iowa Sex Offender Registry for life and once he is released from prison, he will be under probation for life as well. He was also ordered to pay over $2,000 in fines, civil penalties, surcharges and victim restitution will be determined at a later date. Finally, as part of the plea agreement, all other Greene County charges against Ellingson have been dismissed.