Coralville man accused of sexually assaulting juvenile

CORALVILLE - A Coralville man is accused of engaging in sexual activity with an underage girl.

According to Coralville police, on July 9, the victim - a 15-year-old with special needs - contacted 24-year-old Brandon L. Ruiz on Facebook and invited him over. Police said Ruiz went to the girl's residence and, despite knowing of her age and disability, engaged in sexual activity with her.

Police said following that incident, Ruiz sent the victim additional Facebook messages, including one in which he offered to pay her for additional sex acts.

Ruiz was arrested on a warrant for third-degree sexual abuse when he was pulled over on July 29 in Coralville. Police said after searching him, they discovered a plastic bag containing marijuana in his pants pocket. For that, he also faces one count of possession of marijuana, a serious misdemeanor.

Third-degree sexual abuse is a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

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