A southeast Iowa man was arrested after authorities say he sexually assaulted a child in February.
19-year-old Jacob Wertz of Centerville has been charged with third-degree sexual abuse, a Class C felony.
According to the Appanoose County Sheriff’s Office, the victim went to the law center regarding an altercation that occurred on the night of February 7th at the Centerville Square. Upon investigating this call, the victim told law enforcement she had sex with Wertz earlier that night which is why the altercation transpired. The criminal complaint states the victim was 14 years old at the time of the incident.
A deputy set up an interview between the victim and Child Protective Services on February 20th. Upon reviewing the interview, the victim initially declined “several” times to have sex with Wertz but relented after his repeated requests. The victim then said she tried to get up during intercourse but Wertz held her hands to prevent her from doing so.
In an interview with law enforcement on March 18th, Wertz admitted to having sex with the victim prior to February 7th but not on that day. He also admitted to being with the victim on February 7th with both parties being partially undressed.
Wertz was placed under arrest on March 18th. He’s been ordered not to have any contact with the victim.
