DES MOINES, Iowa — A Des Moines photographer has been charged with possession of child pornography after authorities uncovered child sexual abuse material from his hard drive, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a press release.
61-year-old Jeffrey Walter Gray was arrested on Wednesday. He faces the following charges:
- Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Child
- Possession of Child Pornography
Gray is the owner of Wicked Imagery, a photography business in Des Moines that primarily focuses on boudoir and pinup photography. A criminal complaint indicates Gray was operating the business out of his home as of late 2023, but previously operated out of photography studios around the city.
However, Local 5 was unable to find any business under that name registered with the Iowa Secretary of State's business office.
The U.S. Department of Justice alleges Gray "used minors to produce child sexual abuse material" for approximately 11 years, starting as early as 2005 and continuing until at least 2016.
The FBI says in charging documents that the agency is "continuing to review Gray's electronic devices ... to identify minors who Gray used to create child pornography."
Gray allegedly captured images and videos of children undressing in changing rooms at Wicked Imagery through the use of hidden cameras.
In November 2023, Des Moines police detectives executed a search warrant at Gray's home, where they seized a hard drive containing "thousands of files" depicting child sexual abuse material, according to a criminal complaint.
So far, investigators have identified approximately 15 minor victims. Now, investigators are asking the public for help in locating other victims.
Anyone who believes they or their minor children may have been victimized by Gray is asked to visit this website or email WickedImagery@fbi.gov. The names of victims will remain confidential, the FBI added.
The case remains under investigation by the FBI and Des Moines police.