OTTUMWA, Iowa — The Ottumwa Police Department says a man sexually abused at least two minors over an extended period of time.
Police began the investigation on March 1 after a victim reported the assault.
39-year-old Michael Alan Sherwood was arrested on Thursday afternoon and charged with:
- Sex Abuse in the Second Degree (Three counts)
- Sex Abuse in the Third Degree (Three counts)
- Distribution of a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance to a Person Under Age 18
- Lascivious Acts with a Child
- Indecent Exposure
Court documents allege Sherwood abused a 12-year-old between June 2019 and June 2020, forcing them to perform sex acts. He is also accused of giving the victim marijuana and alcohol to help them "relax" before abusing them, court documents indicate.
Sherwood abused a second victim by forcing them to perform sex acts on at least three occasions between June 2020 and May 2022, according to court documents. The victim was 14 years old.
Sherwood is currently being held at Wapello County Jail.
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