Sex Abuse Trial for Mayor is Moved

The trial for the former mayor of Oelwein, accused of sexually abusing two young girls, has been moved to a different location.

Jason Manus was arrested in August of last year, following an investigation into alleged sexual assaults to 2 minor girls at his home in Oelwein. The girls were not related to Manus, but were there for a visit.

Manus submitted his resignation as Oelwein's mayor a few days later, and the city held a special election to vote councilperson Peggy Sherrets as new mayor.

Manus has pleaded not guilty to the five charges. His original attorney, David Roth, died four days after filing the plea in Fayette County District court.

His current attorney, Jeremy Thompson, has filed a change of venue request, which was approved; the trial will be held in Chickasaw County District Court, in New Hampton.

The trial date has been set for April 22nd, with a pre-trial conference on April 6th.

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