Former NE Iowa Mayor Testifies in Sex Abuse Trial

Former Oelwein mayor Jason Manus has testified in his sexual abuse trial, and claimed the case may be political in nature.

Manus is charged with one count of second degree sexual abuse and four counts of 3rd degree sex abuse, for an alleged incident in 2010, in which he had sexual contact with a 9 year old girl and 14 year old girl in Oelwein. Manus was charged last August following an investigation; he resigned as Oelwein's mayor a few days after being arrested.

During the trial, which had been moved to Chickasaw County, Manus was called to the stand. Manus told the jury that the allegations are false, and that the claims may be politically motivated. Manus testified that he made some enemies in Oelwein, who wanted him out of office, which he held for only a few months.

A witness for the prosecution claimed that while he was visiting at Manus' residence, Manus had made inappropriate comments about young girls in the neighborhood.

A psychologist testified that delayed claims by young victims of such crimes is common, given it took four years to bring the charges.

If Manus is convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison on the second degree sex abuse charge, and ten years on the third degree charges.