Man Who Posed as “Twilight” Actor, Visited Schools, May Change Plea

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A change of plea hearing has been scheduled for a California man accused of visiting Iowa schools while posing as an actor from the “Twilight” series who previously pleaded guilty to federal pornography charges.

Online court records show 33-year-old David LaVera, of San Diego, is set to change his plea Thursday in federal court in Des Moines. LaVera pleaded not guilty in October to charges of sexual exploitation of a child and possession of pornography.

An attorney for LaVera did not immediately return a message Wednesday seeking comment about his change of plea.

Authorities say LaVera posed as “Kiowa Gordon,” an actor in the “Twilight” series, and visited two schools in Newton while in Jasper County last year. He also faces state charges of enticing a minor, carrying weapons and third-degree sexual abuse.