Marion man to serve five years in prison in sexual abuse case

CEDAR RAPIDS - A 27-year-old Marion man, originally facing a third-degree sexual abuse charge, was sentenced Tuesday to up to five years in prison on a reduced charge.

Justin Strauser pleaded guilty in December to an amended charge of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse causing bodily injury. He 'used force to commit various sex acts” against the will of a 22-year-old woman on Aug. 31, 2015, the criminal complaint shows.

The woman was treated at St. Luke's Hospital after the attack, according to the complaint. Strauser also was linked to the crime through DNA evidence collected after the assault, but the victim also identified him, according to court records.

Sixth Judicial District Chief Judge Patrick Grady sentenced Strauser to up to five years in the prison, which is a mandatory prison term for the charge, and Strauser must also register as a sex offender for 10 years and serve a special term of parole for 10 years due to the nature of the crime.

Strauser declined to make a statement during sentencing.

Grady also extended the no contact order for the victim against Strauser for five years. The judge warned Strauser that this is a sexual predatory offense and if he commits another sexual offense in the future, an enhancement would apply, which would increase prison time.

The victim was in the courtroom but declined to give a victim's impact statement.

Linn County Attorney Jerry Vander Sanden said the charge was amended because Strauser agreed to plead to the lesser charge, and the victim agreed to it. She knew the lesser charge was still a felony, which required Strauser to register as a sex offender and be on the special parole.

This resolution also prevented the victim from having to testify, Vander Sanden said.

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