Former County Engineer, School Board President Arrested During Sioux City Prostitution Sting

A 63-year-old Glenwood man was among 12 people arrested on prostitution charges during an undercover sting operation last week in Sioux City.

James M. Ebmeier was arrested by Sioux City police officers Wednesday, July 15, and charged with soliciting prostitution, an aggravated misdemeanor that carries a punishment of up to two years in jail and a fine of $625 - $6,250.

Ebmeier, who owns and operates a private business in Glenwood, was previously employed as the Mills County Engineer. He is a former member of the Glenwood Board of Education,  serving as president during the 2001-2002 school year.

A preliminary hearing for Ebmeier is scheduled for Aug. 5 in Woodbury County District Court.

A Sioux City Police Department spokesman said the department has conducted multiple sting operations this year related to prostitution as part of a nation-wide effort to reduce human trafficking.

Ebmeier was unavailable for comment on Monday. As of press time, he had not returned a telephone message left at his business office.