An Ottumwa man is accused of grooming his step-daughter for several months last year.
Pablo Garay Mejio, 26, was charged with enticing a minor under 13 (Class C felony), grooming (Class D felony), and indecent contact with a child (aggravated misdemeanor).
Court records allege that over an eight-month span in 2025, Garay Mejio made multiple sexual statements and advances toward his 12-year-old step-daughter. His alleged actions include attempting to kiss the child, touching her inappropriately, and lying nude in his bedroom and enticing the victim to engage in illicit acts.
A warrant for Garay Mejio’s arrest was issued on May 12th and he was taken into custody later that day.
Garay Mejio is being held in the Wapello County Jail on a $100,000 bond. He’s been ordered not to have any contact with the victim.
