Waterloo Police Department Detectives Participate in Multi-State “Operation Coast to Coast”

WATERLOO, IOWA — September 11, 2026 — Members of the Waterloo Police Department, detectives assigned to the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Office to Combat Human Trafficking Task Force, participated in Operation Coast to Coast, a coordinated, multi-state anti-human trafficking enforcement effort conducted September 10, 2026.

The operation involved hundreds of law enforcement agencies and partner organizations across dozens of states and focused on identifying individuals seeking to purchase commercial sex, as well as those who exploit or target vulnerable individuals, including children.

In Black Hawk County, Law Enforcement conducted undercover investigations using online accounts and undercover officers deployed at multiple locations throughout the county. The investigation resulted in the arrest of four individuals on charges related to the solicitation or purchase of commercial sex, enticement, grooming, and sexual exploitation of a minor.

Arrests

James Richard Grant Sr., 52, DOB 11-16-1973, was arrested on charges of:

  • Iowa Code § 710A.2A — Solicitation of a Commercial Sexual Act
  • Iowa Code § 725.1(2)(b) — Prostitution Under 18
  • Iowa Code § 710.10(2) — Enticing Under 16 for Sexual Abuse
  • Iowa Code § 709.8A(2) — Grooming

Olivind Christopher Eichenberger, 34, DOB 08-31-1992, was arrested on:

  • Iowa Code § 725.1(2)(a) — Prostitution — Purchase of Services

Fermin Miranda-Del Valle, 55, DOB 07-07-1971, was arrested on:

  • Iowa Code § 710.10(2) — Enticing Under 16 - Sexual Abuse

Miranda-Del Valle was determined to be undocumented, and an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer was placed following his arrest.

Michael Levi Koch, 42, DOB 11-01-1983, was arrested on charges of:

  • Iowa Code § 725.1(2)(a) — Prostitution — Purchase of Services
  • Iowa Code § 710.10(2) — Enticing Under 16 -Sexual Abuse
  • Iowa Code § 710A.2A — Solicitation of a Commercial Sexual Activity
  • Iowa Code § 709.8A(2) — Grooming
  • Iowa Code § 728.12(1) — Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

Participating and Assisting Agencies

The Waterloo Police Department recognizes the significant assistance provided by the following agencies and organizations during Operation Coast to Coast in Black Hawk County:

  • Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office
  • Iowa State Patrol
  • Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)
  • Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement (DNE)
  • Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
  • Tri-County Drug Task Force
  • FBI Task Force
  • ATF Task Force
  • Violent Crimes Apprehension Team (VCAT) — U.S. Marshals Task Force
  • Black Hawk County Consolidated Dispatch Center
  • Eldridge Police Department
  • Altoona Police Department

The cooperation and coordination among these agencies were instrumental in supporting the investigation and enforcement activities conducted throughout Black Hawk County.

The arrests are the result of ongoing investigations conducted by Waterloo detectives in coordination with law enforcement partners. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information and enforcement actions may be announced as appropriate.

The Waterloo Police Department remains committed to combating human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, reducing the demand that contributes to these crimes, and protecting vulnerable members of our community.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.