March 28, 2024

21-year-old Newton man sentenced in sex abuse case

Sentence includes probation, registering as sex offender

A 21-year-old Newton man was sentenced in Jasper County District Court Monday morning after he pleaded guilty to sex abuse and to forcing a 16-year-old girl into his car.

Colin C. Hansen pleaded guilty to third-degree sexual abuse last month, prompting an amended charge of assault causing serious injury that was sexually motivated, a class D felony.

Hansen was sentenced to probation for three years, was ordered to complete a sex offender treatment program and to register as a sex offender. A no-contact order is in effect between Hansen with the victim for five years.

Hansen was 19 when he forced a sex act on the victim during an incident in June 2015. He was arrested June 8, 2015.

Nearly two years later, the victim had a chance to give an impact statement in front of the court, including Hansen.

“I didn’t deserve any of this, for two years I have been afraid to leave my house, go out alone ... or out in public in fear you would be there,” the victim said. “I have had flashbacks nonstop ... of when you locked me in your car I had no control ... I wish for you to feel like you have no control so you know what it feels like.”

Before Hansen was given his sentence, Hansen’s attorney Gerald Feuerhelm said he believes the case has been an extremely difficult situation for the victim and her family and an extremely trying time for Hansen and his family.

“Both sides put in an extraordinary amount of effort into trying to thoroughly investigate this situation,” Feuerhelm said.

Feuerhelm said Hansen has taken responsibility, and he is prepared to cooperate with probation officers and supervision.

“He understands this isn’t going to be easy,” Feuerhelm said. “It will take a lot of effort on his part, but that is always the case for a successful probation — I’ve talked to Colin and I think we’re on the same page that Colin wants to make something positive come out of this.”

When District Court Judge Brad McCall gave Hansen the opportunity to speak, he said, “Yes, your honor, I agree with everything my attorney said.”

“Do you understand the impact that your conduct had on the young lady here in the courtroom?” McCall asked. “She suggested in her statement that she wishes there would be some way you would be placed in a situation where you don’t have any control — I suppose prison would be that kind of place would it not, and you don’t think that’s an appropriate outcome?”

“No, your honor,” Hansen said.

When McCall asked Hansen how he has changed his conduct, Hansen told the judge, “he has learned to be more patient and think things through.”

According to the police report, the victim said Hansen messaged her on Facebook to meet at the Homedahl Park in Kellogg. Upon meeting, she said Hansen grabbed her arm and forced her into his car.

Once in the car, Hansen asked for the victim to perform a sex act on him. She refused, and Hansen then grabbed her head and forced her to perform the act, according to the report.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com