Man accused of sex abuse found guilty of assault

A Newton man accused of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl has been found guilty of assault and sentenced to 15 days in jail.

Drew M. Orndorff, 21, was charged in October with third-degree sexual abuse, a Class C felony, for allegedly performing sex acts on the teenager against her will following an investigation by the Newton Police Department.

The victim, who lived at the same residence as Orndorff during the alleged abuse, told police she was sexually abused from May 2011 through February 2013.

Witnesses said Orndorff was obsessed with the victim and was seen leaving her bedroom on at least two occasions after she had gone to bed, according to court documents.

Text messages and a written letter indicate Orndorff believed he was in a “love” relationship with the victim, according to court documents.

A jury, however, found Orndorff guilty of assault, a simple misdemeanor.

District Court Judge Terry Rickers on Monday sentenced Orndorff to 15 days in the Jasper County jail and to pay various fines including a $65 surcharge, $1,200 for a public defender and an undetermined amount of restitution to the Crime Victim Assistance Program.

A no contact order with the victim was extended for a period of one year.

Contact Abigail Pelzer at 641-792-3121 ext. 6530 or apelzer@newtondailynews.com