Perry Police Chief Eric Vaughn today issued a statement about the circumstances leading to the arrest last Thursday of Gebrentensaye Gebrehiwot, 26, of Perry.
Gebrehiwot was arrested on charges of third-degree sexual abuse and assault with intent to commit sexual abuse. The crime allegedly occurred Wednesday, Sept. 2 in the Perry Public Library.
According to the Perry Police, “The victim reported that she had previously met Gebrehiwot while at the Perry Public Library. On this day she was at the library and Gebrehiwot asked her to assist him with some homework. She agreed and they sat down at a table together. At one point Gebrehiwot took the victim’s hand and placed it on top of his penis outside his clothing. He then attempted to put his hand on her breast inside the shirt she was wearing. The victim then left the library, reporting the incident to police a short time later.”
Vaughn said Perry Police officers collected evidence and then located Gebrehiwot the following day. After an interview, he was placed under arrest and later transported to the Dallas County Jail.
An acquaintance of Gebrehiwot was shocked to learn of the charges against him, describing him as “very nice and gentle, a pastor in his tribe. I visited him many times. He’s a nice guy, very polite and friendly. I just don’t believe he could have assaulted anyone, and certainly not in the library.”
Third-degree sexual abuse is a Class D felony in Iowa. Conviction carries a maximum prison term of five years and a fine of $750 to $7,500. Assault with intent to commit sexual abuse is an aggravated misdemeanor. Conviction carries a maximum prison term of two years and a fine of up to $5,000.
Gebrehiwot posted bond Tuesday and was released pending a court date.
