Two ex-police officers in Creston are going on trial for sexual abuse. Jury selection started this morning in Sioux City, as the case was moved from Union County court to Woodbury County due to extensive media coverage.
Former Creston Police Chief James Christensen and former assistant chief John Sickels face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
Both were arrested following a report filed by an agent with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation alleging that Sickels raped a female bartender in the early morning hours of April 18th at the Crestmoor Golf Club, while then-Police Chief Christensen watched.
The two were later fired from their positions, a decision upheld by the city’s civil service commission. The Woodbury County Clerk of Court says two weeks have been set aside for the case.