DES MOINES, Iowa — A Des Moines man was sentenced to 40 years in prison Thursday, according to the county attorney's office.
18-year-old Kainon Bounlye Viphongxai pleaded guilty to three counts of third-degree sexual assault and one count of second-degree burglary under a plea bargain. The state dismissed other charges associated with the case as part of the deal.
Viphongxai's sentencing comes less than a year after police responded to reports of burglaries, gunshots and "other problems" in an Altoona neighborhood the morning of Sept. 8, 2023. One child told officials someone entered her room and sexually assaulted her.
Each count carries a sentence of 10 years, and all four counts must be served consecutively. In addition, Viphongxai must register on the Sex Offender Registry and remain under the court's supervision for the rest of his life.
Polk County Attorney Kimberly Graham honored the child who came forward for her bravery following the sentencing.
"We can't keep Polk County safe without people like you, who have the courage to tell the truth," Graham said.