February 8, 2012

Defiance man charged in sex abuse case

The Shelby County sheriff and the Iowa Department of Human Services have concluded an investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of a child — by making an arrest. Sheriff Mark Hervey says 33-year-old Jesse Smith, of Defiance, faces charges that include lascivious acts with a child and second degree sexual abuse.

Smith was arrested Tuesday in connection with acts involving a 12-year-old that are alleged to have occurred at a residence in Defiance. He was being held in the Shelby County Jail, on $25,000 bond.

Contributed by Ric Hanson, KJAN, Atlantic