Springville man convicted of sexually abusing 2 children

CEDAR RAPIDS — A 38-year-old Springville man was convicted Thursday of amended charges in the sexual abuse of two children in 2018 and 2019.

Damian James Hunter, originally charged with two counts of second-degree sexual abuse, pleaded in writing to lascivious acts with a child, a felony, and indecent contact with a child, an aggravated misdemeanor. The two victims were ages 5 and 6 when the abuse happened between Nov. 1, 2018, and March 13, 2019, in Fairfax, according to court documents.

A criminal complaint states the two minor girls described the sexual abuse that happened on multiple occasions and identified the abuser during a forensic interview at St. Luke’s Child Protection Center.

During questioning by investigators, Hunter admitted having inappropriate sexual contact with both children.

Hunter, in the written plea, admitted to both charges.

Hunter faces up to seven years in prison on both charges, but the plea agreement states the prosecution will recommended suspended sentences and five years of probation. The sentencing judge also will order Hunter to be listed on the sex offender registry and serve a special parole for 10 years.

No-contact orders to protect each child also will be ordered at sentencing.

Hunter was convicted of second-degree theft in 2016 and received a deferred judgment and three years of probation, but a probation revocation has been filed because he violated the terms by committing the sexual abuse.

If his probation is revoked, he faces five years in prison on the theft charge. A hearing is set for May 28 in Linn County District Court.

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