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Beaten and accused of molesting a child, Wigant to stand trial in April

MASON CITY – A man accused of sex offenses against a child who was badly beaten this week while held in the Cerro Gordo jail is set for trial.

Daniel J. Wigant, age 24 of Clear Lake, faces four serious charges which were brought against him in August by Clear Lake police: Two counts of lascivious acts with a child and two counts of second degree sexual abuse. Wigant is accused of sexual contact with a female child just 4 years of age. He is accused of molesting the child on July 10 and again on July 16 of this year.

Wigant has entered a not guilty plea and is represented by public defender Susan Flander. He will face a jury trial on November 17 and remains locked up in the county jail on “special status” on $70,000 cash-only bond.

A source close to the case tells NIT that as soon as Wigant got to jail he was moved to protective status because he “had a couple run in with guys at the jail…his first night there he got moved because the guys (found) out why he was there.”

However, it appears that the jail was not a safe place for Wigant, even on “special status”.

Cerro Gordo deputies responded to a report of an assault in the jail Sunday morning, January 17, at about 10:23 AM. According to details released to NIT Tuesday morning, John Daniel Murphy was in the shower area of the jail when he suddenly punched Wigant. His injuries included a black eye and a lost tooth, to that point. Murphy then assaulted Wigant further as he went to his cell. At the cell, Murphy kept hitting Wigant, causing swelling to the Wigant’s hand. A report was taken, which led to a charge of felony D willful injury being brought against John Daniel Murphy. Allegedly, Murphy admitted the attack was unprovoked.

Court records and a source close to the case tell NIT that Wigant now has a jury trial set for Monday, April 18 at 9 AM. “He’s been offered a plea deal of two class C felony … not accepting it” the source tells NIT. Also, there has been hesitation to depose the alleged victim in the case, due to potential damage that may do to her.

Wigant has filed an “indecent defense claim form” and may not get out of jail prior to trial, due to the $70,000 he would need to be released.

WIGANT, DANIEL J
WIGANT, DANIEL J
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