Newton man faces 20 felony charges for sex crimes against minor

A 38-year-old Newton man is accused of 20 felony charges for alleged sexual abuse of a minor and incest. In order to protect the identity of the victim, Newton News has decided not to name the individual accused of these felonies, even though it is publicly available information.

According to information from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, the man is charged with three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of second-degree sexual abuse, seven counts of third-degree sexual abuse, one count of possessing media depicting a minor in a sex act and eight counts of incest.

All of which are considered to be Class B, C or D felonies. In Iowa, a Class B felony is punishable up to 25 years in prison; a Class C felony is punishable up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to more than $13,000; and a Class D felony is punishable up to five years in prison and up to more than $10,000 in fines.

The man was also charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, which is considered a serious misdemeanor.

In total, the man’s bond was set at $125,000. Court filings show the man entered a plea of not guilty.

According to a press release acquired by Newton News, the Newton Police Department and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services received a complaint on Feb. 23 regarding the sexual abuse of a minor. During the investigation, a search warrant was executed by officers.

Evidence seized from the search supported the allegation. Officers also found marijuana in the residence. Police arrested the man on March 1.