Cedar Rapids man sentenced to 30 years for sexually assaulting two children

CEDAR RAPIDS — A judge sentenced a Cedar Rapids man to up to 30 years in prison for sexually assaulting two children, one under 12 years old, and molesting another child under the age of 14.

Silas Paul Griffin, 33, pleaded guilty in April to two charges each of third-degree sexual abuse and lascivious acts with a child, all felonies. He also pleaded to indecent contact with a child, an aggravated misdemeanor.

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Sixth Judicial District Judge Liz Dupuich ran all the felonies consecutively and the misdemeanor concurrently to those for a total of up to 30 years in prison, in accordance with the plea agreement.

Dupuich pointed to his lengthy criminal history, including federal convictions, and the fact that he hasn’t taken responsibility for his actions, which was noted in the presentencing report.

Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks said the victims declined to attend the sentencing.

Griffin, during sentencing, declined to give a statement.

Dupuich also ordered him to serve two lifetime special sentences of parole for the third-degree sexual abuse following his prison term and his compliance with the requirements of the sex offender registry.

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She also extended the no contact orders against Griffin to protect the victims.

Griffin’s trial had been continued several times since 2022. He pleaded a few days before his trial was set to start in April.

According to a criminal complaint, Griffin sexually assaulted two girls, one while she was under the age of 12 and again when she was between 12 and 13 years old. The other girl was abused when she was 12 or 13. He also molested another child when she was 12 or 13.

The sexual abuse of the victim under age 12 started in 2014 and continued through 2018, according to the complaint. The other victims were sexually abused in 2021.

Trish Mehaffey covers state and federal courts for The Gazette

Comments: (319) 398-8318; trish.mehaffey@thegazette.com