A Jefferson couple faces multiple charges related to alleged sex acts against minors.

According to the Jefferson Police Department, as part of an ongoing investigation, 37-year-old Benjamin Ellingson is charged with a Class A Felony for third degree sex abuse of a child of the same household, a Class B Felony for continuous sexual abuse of a child, two Class C Felonies for sexual exploitation of a minor and lascivious acts with a child and two Class D Felonies for enticing a minor under the age of 16 for sexual purposes and prostitution. 

Additionally, the police department has filed charges against 38-year-old Shanda Ellingson with a Class B Felony for continuous sexual abuse of a child, two Class C Felonies for willful injury and third degree sex abuse with a child victim coerced by person in authority, two Class D Felonies for solicitation of lascivious acts with a child and enticing a minor under the age of 16 for sexual purposes, an aggravated misdemeanor for domestic abuse assault while displaying a weapon, a serious misdemeanor for her first offense for possession of marijuana and a simple misdemeanor for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Captain Jason Kroeger tells Raccoon Valley Radio this is an ongoing investigation, but these charges are from forensic interviews and physical evidence that’s been collected. The incidents relate to two minors that live in the same household as the Ellingsons. Kroeger advises that arrest warrants have been issued and they have reached out to the FBI because they believe the Ellingsons have crossed state lines. However, if anyone knows information of their whereabouts, they can contact the Jefferson Police Department at 515-386-2136 or any local law enforcement agency. 

Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.