Coralville man to serve 10 years for sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl

A 26-year-old Coralville man convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in September was sentenced Friday in Johnston County District Court to 10 years in prison.

Kenneth Shearon II, was convicted of third-degree sexual assault, which stemmed from a relationship he had with the 14-year-old.

The girl in a victim's impact statement that wasn't read in court but was submitted to the judge said she wanted Shearon to serve 10 years. She said their relationship affected her family and especially the close bond she had with her brother, who was friends with Shearon.

Shearon said during the hearing he wasn't a predator or a violent person. He admitted getting into “trouble” as a teen but the time he spent in prison on theft charges changed him.

“I'm a good person and I want others to know that,” Shearon said.

Sixth Judicial District Judge Paul Miller said he understood it may have been consensual but that doesn't make it right, and the law is there to protect underaged girls.

“In plain language, you should have known better,” Miller said.

Shearon had the relationship with the victim from February to April of 2010. The first incident occurred in February when Shearon grabbed the girl's hand and placed it on his genitals while they were watching a movie. Shearon then later invited the girl to his residence where they had sexual intercourse.