Cedar Rapids man sentenced to probation for sexually abusing a minor

CEDAR RAPIDS - A 37-year-old man has been sentenced to five years' probation for sexually abusing a girl for two years starting when she was 10.

Joshua Smith of Cedar Rapids pleaded guilty last month to lascivious acts with a child. According to the criminal complaint, Smith began sexually abusing the girl in 2010.

Sixth Judicial District Judge Paul Miller sentenced Smith on Friday to 10 years in prison but suspended it and gave him five years' probation, in accordance with the plea agreement. Smith also will be on lifetime parole because of the sexual nature of the offense, and he will have to register as a sex offender and go through sex offender treatment.

Smith also will be under a no-contact order with the victim for five years.

Before being sentenced, Smith said he was 'deeply sorry for what I did.” He said he was sorry for the 'pain and suffering” he caused the victim and her family. He also apologized to his family and the court.

The victim and her family were in the courtroom during the sentencing. The girl submitted a written victim impact statement, but it wasn't read in open court.

First Assistant Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks said the victim, now 15, and her parents consented to the plea agreement. Her parents wanted to ensure Smith would have to register as a sex offender and be on lifetime parole, he said.