Man accused of sexually abusing 11-year-old girl enters plea bargain

CEDAR RAPIDS – A 31-year-old man accused of sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl in 2009 pleaded guilty before his trial started Tuesday.

Hendrickson Schauf, of Cedar Rapids, entered an Alford plea to third-degree sexual abuse and lascivious acts with a child as part of a plea agreement with the state. The remaining charge, second-degree sexual abuse, was dismissed.

An Alford plea is when a defendant doesn't admit the act but admits the prosecution could likely prove the charge.

Assistant Linn County Attorney Jason Burns said Schauf will serve consecutive terms for a total of 15 years in prison as part of the plea agreement. He will also be sentenced to the lifetime parole and sex offender registry requirement.

Schauf sexually abused the 11-year-old girl in August 2009.

Sentencing will be set later.