Judge sentences Cedar Rapids man to 25 years for sexually abusing infant

CEDAR RAPIDS — A Cedar Rapids man was sentenced Tuesday to 25 years in prison for sexually abusing a 3-month-old infant — an assault captured on a video phone app that the baby’s parents set up while they were nearby and rushed to stop.

Aaron Jacob Wingerson, 29, pleaded guilty in February to second-degree sexual abuse. His other charge of lascivious acts with a child was dismissed during sentencing as part of the plea agreement.

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Sixth Judicial District Judge Ian Thornhill, during Tuesday’s sentencing, said Wingerson must serve a mandatory 70 percent — or 17 1/2 years — before being eligible for parole. Wingerson also must comply with the sex offender registry and serve a special lifetime sentence of parole. Thornhill also extended a no-contact order against Wingerson for five years to protect the child.

The charge is a sexually predatory offense, and any future conviction could be enhanced — meaning an increased prison term, according to a sentencing document.

According to a criminal complaint, Wingerson was in his residence — an apartment in Cedar Rapids — with the baby on Feb. 15, 2024, while the baby’s parents went outside for a few minutes. The parents set up a FaceTime call with another phone to keep watch over the baby, and saw Wingerson start to sexually abuse the infant.

The parents tried to get back inside the apartment but didn’t have keys so they kicked down the door. About that time, Wingerson noticed the cellphone, which was propped up and recording him, and fled. Cedar Rapids police later found him.

Wingerson, after being taken to the police department, admitted to planning the sexual abuse before it happened, according to the complaint.

“Thankfully, the parents of the child became aware of the abuse, immediately reported it and contacted the Cedar Rapids Police Department, who quickly responded, investigated and arrested the defendant,” Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks told The Gazette after the sentencing.

“Every case of child sexual abuse involves revolting and egregious acts perpetrated against an innocent and vulnerable victim,” he said. “The details of those acts shock the conscience of the public and devastate the victim and their families. This case was no exception, particularly since the victim was an infant.”

Maybanks said he hopes the family can begin to put the “horrifying experience” behind them now that Wingerson has been sentenced on the “highest offense” he faced.

“Hopefully while he is incarcerated, he can get some much needed help so he never does this again,” Maybanks added.

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