A nearly yearlong investigation has led to the arrest of a man on multiple drug charges, plus prostitution and sexual exploitation offenses.

Louis D. Gaudio, 31, of 1431 Fourth Ave. S., is charged with five controlled substance violations, four counts of failure to affix a drug tax stamp, one count of prostitution and two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.

It’s alleged that, starting in November 2017, Gaudio was involved in a drug conspiracy where he delivered drugs — including marijuana and cocaine — in the Fort Dodge area, according to criminal complaints filed with the Webster County attorney’s office.

In October 2017 Gaudio allegedly paid an underage girl to perform sexual acts on himself.

The complaint also alleges that, on two occasions in November 2017, Gaudio recorded videos of the girl when she was naked. It’s alleged one of the videos shows sexual contact between the two.

Gaudio made his initial appearance in Webster County Magistrate Court Thursday morning. After going over all of the complaints, Magistrate William Habhab set cash-only bonds for Gaudio totaling $85,000.

Gaudio’s preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 21.