March 28, 2024

Newton man charged with intent to commit sex abuse

Cody L. Kessler, 26, of Newton has been charged with assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, an aggravated misdemeanor, in connection with an incident reported earlier this month.

At 6:33 p.m. Oct. 8, a Newton police officer was dispatched to the Newton YMCA to meet with a female who claimed to have been sexually assaulted the night before by Kessler, who was staying at her father’s house for the night. The victim reported Kessler got into bed with her, began touching her inappropriately and attempted to sexually assault her.

Kessler was arrested at 11 p.m. Sunday at the residence where the incident occurred and taken to the Jasper County Jail, where he later posted bond. A preliminary hearing is set for 9 a.m. Nov. 6.