Man Arrested in Iowa for Criminal Sexual Conduct in Hinckley Incident

A man from Geneva, Iowa named Richard Dixon Peacock, 29, has been apprehended for criminal sexual conduct charges related to an incident in Hinckley, Pine County. The Pine County Attorney’s Office issued a nationwide warrant for Peacock’s arrest, and he was taken into custody on Monday morning in Hampton, Iowa, at his workplace. Now, he is facing up to 30 years in prison for his alleged crimes.

The charges stem from a reported sexual assault of a minor that took place on December 21, 2024, in Hinckley. Pine County deputies responded to the incident after a witness came forward, detailing an assault involving an 11-year-old girl. The victim had been communicating with an individual named “Richard” in a chat group on the app “Discord” for about a month before the assault occurred. “Richard,” later identified as Richard Dixon Peacock, allegedly portrayed himself as a 27-year-old male during their interactions.

The victim reported that they had planned to meet in person and go to a movie the week of December 16. However, due to family obligations, the meeting was postponed. Despite this, Peacock claimed to be in the area and insisted on meeting, even driving four hours to Hinckley. The victim, believing she was going to a friend’s house, left her home to meet with Peacock.

This troubling incident highlights the dangers of online interactions with strangers and emphasizes the importance of monitoring children’s online activities. It serves as a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance and caution in today’s digital age. We must remain vigilant in protecting our children and ensuring their safety in both the physical and digital realms.