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Mayor of Oelwein charged with despicable crimes against children

Arrest scene
Arrest scene

OELWEIN, IA – The mayor of a small North Iowa town is in jail at this time, accused of despicable crimes against children.

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office conducted a month long investigation after two juvenile females had reported a sexual assault in Oelwein, Iowa in Fayette county. As a result of that investigation, the sheriff’s office filed five counts of sexual abuse in the second degree on Jason Joseph Manus, age 36 of Oelwein and a warrant for his arrest was issued. Manus was elected mayor of Oelwein in 2013 in a very tight election.

The investigation showed that Manus, in July and August of 2010, allegedly sexually abused a 14-year-old child four times and a 9-year-old child once. Due to the statute of limitations some of the crimes founded could not be filed, however, under Iowa Law a minor victim has 10 years after reaching their eighteenth birthday to report a sexual abuse.

According to the complaint, Manus forced a 14-year-old child into a basement cellar and forcefully removed her clothing and fondled the victim, who began yelling for help. Manus allegedly covered her mouth with his hand and held her against her will. The victim feared for her life, and Manus threatened her not to tell anyone what he had done.

Also according to the complaint, Manus allegedly forced a 9-year-old child onto a couch in his own living room and forcefully removed the victim’s jeans and fondled her. The victim tried to get away and scream for help, but Manus covered her mouth with his hand and held her against her will. The victim feared for her life, and Manus threatened her not to tell anyone what he had done.

On August 11, 2014 Manus was arrested at his residence and taken to the Fayette County Jail and was booked in. He was arrested on a warrant charging him with five counts of sexual abuse in the second degree, each being a class B felony and bond was set at $125,000.00 cash or corporate surety. If convicted on the charges Manus could face up to 125 years in prison and be placed on the sex offender registration.

In Iowa, a person commits sexual abuse in the second degree if, during the commission of sexual abuse, the person uses or threatens to use force, creating a substantial risk of death or serious injury to any person; or if the other person is under the age of twelve; or if the person is aided or abetted by one or more persons and the sex act is committed by force or against the will of the other person against whom the sex act is committed. Sexual abuse in the second degree is a class “B” felony.

Manus, via social media, lists himself as a heavy equipment operator at International Union of Operating Engineers. He is from Glendale, Arizona before moving to Oelwein.

Accoridng to Jamie Letzring, City Administrator of Oelwein, “recently the Fayette County Sherriff’s Department has filed a complaint in cooperation with the Iowa Attorney General’s Office involving an elected public official with the City of Oelwein. At this time we are unaware of the details of the allegations. This investigation was not initiated nor conducted by the Oelwein Police Department. We understand these alleged events occurred several years ago, prior to Mr. Manus’ time as an elected official. The Oelwein City Council, Administration would like to express our deepest concerns for those involved in today’s development. Our dedicated employees will remain focused on improving our City and making positive change.”

Jason Manus SUBJECT IS INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY
Jason Manus
SUBJECT IS INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY

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