Verdict in on Former Mayor Charged with Sex Abuse

The former mayor of Oelwein, on trial on accusations of sexual abuse against two minor girls, has been acquitted of one charge, but the jury was deadlocked on another.

37 year old Jason Manus had been charged with second degree sexual abuse of a girl between 6 and 9 years old, and third degree sexual abuse of a 14 year old girl.

The incidents allegedly took place in 2010, but did not come to light until August of last year. Manus was charged after an investigation; he resigned as Oelwein's mayor, a post he held for just a few months, days after he was arrested.

The trial was moved to Chickasaw County on a change of venue.

The jury began deliberations Monday, and continued at 9am Tuesday morning, coming back with a partial verdict about an hour later.

The jurors found Manus not-guilty of the third degree sex abuse charge, which was for having inappropriate contact with the 14 year old girl; but they deadlocked on the second degree sex abuse charge, which involved the younger of the two girls.

After assuring the judge they could not reach a conclusion, he declared a mistrial.

Manus could still be re-tried on that charge, but would have to be prosecuted before this August.