Carlisle man sentenced after pleading guilty in sexual abuse case

A 73-year-old Carlisle man accused of six counts of second-degree sexual abuse was sentenced to up to 25 years in prison after appearing in court on Tuesday morning in Johnson County.

Reports indicate that Donald D. Fetters, of 715 Market St., was arrested by authorities on May 25 after they say he committed sex acts with a female under the age of 12 in 2006 and 2007 in Johnson County.

He was held at the Johnson County Jail on a $50,000 bond until he pleaded guilty to four felony charges of second-degree sexual abuse July 29.

Due to the nature of the charges against him, Fetters continued to be held without bond after entering his plea, authorities said.

According to the Johnson County Sheriff's Records, Fetters did have a conviction for sexual abuse prior to the aforementioned incidents.

The victim and her family chose not to appear in court or issue an impact statement during today's judgment. Fetters stated that he had nothing to say to the judge regarding his case.

Fetters will be required to serve at least 70 percent of his sentence, which is scheduled to be carried out at the Oakdale Correctional Facility, before being eligible before parole.

A no-contact order between Fetters and the victim has also been extended to five years.

Due to his age, Fetters was reminded that if he is still living and is granted parole, he will have to register as an Iowa sex offender for the rest of his life.

In addition to serving prison time, Fetters will be required to pay restitution to the victim, the prosecution and the State of Iowa for attorney fees.