Des Moines Man Charged with Computer Fraud

A Des Moines man, Ezekiel Dean Potter, 34, was charged with computer fraud by a federal grand jury in Des Moines on October 15, 2025, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Iowa.

The Indictment alleges that after his termination by his employer in April 2023, Potter accessed or attempted to access the employer’s computer systems without authorization, and when he gained access he reset usernames and passwords and deleted or revoked access to accounts, with the conduct spanning from May 14, 2023, until at least January 16, 2025. The indictment says his actions caused widespread disruption to operations and resulted in tens of thousands of dollars in losses.

Trial is scheduled for June 1, 2026, and if convicted he could be sentenced to up to 10 years in federal prison. The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Lubben.