Ely man allegedly used handgun to force juvenile into sex

ELY - An Ely man has been accused of using a handgun to force a juvenile relative to have sex with him last month.

Matthew E. Brown, 41, has been charged with second-degree sexual abuse. Court documents indicate the incident happened April 24 at Brown's residence, 2090 Dows St.

According to a criminal complaint, Brown threatened the girl by pointing a handgun at her head and forced her to perform various sex acts. He allegedly "told her to do what he wanted" or she "would be lying on the floor."

Linn County Sheriff Brian Gardner said his department opened an investigation after learning about possible assaults against multiple juveniles at the home. He said the investigation led to the sexual abuse charge, but noted that the investigation is continuing.

Brown was arrested May 4 and taken to the Linn County Jail, but since been released on bond. A no contact order was issued in the case.