Charles City man sentenced to prison in sexual abuse case

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

A Charles City man has been sentenced to up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a minor.

Joshua Dean Jasso, 33, entered an Alford plea in February to one count of third-degree sexual abuse involving a teenage victim. The charge is a Class C felony under Iowa law.

The incident occurred in April 2024 in Nora Springs, according to court records. Prosecutors said the victim was 14 or 15 years old at the time. Jasso was 32.

Under an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges there is enough evidence for a likely conviction.

Jasso was originally scheduled to go to trial in October 2024 but had waived his right to a speedy trial. In December, he reasserted his right to be tried within 90 days, and a trial was set for March 4, 2025. He accepted a plea deal shortly before that date, and sentencing was held May 12.

Judge DeDra Schroeder sentenced Jasso to an indeterminate term in prison not to exceed 10 years in the custody of the Iowa Department of Corrections.

Upon completion of his prison sentence, he will be subject to Iowa’s special sentence for sexual crimes, meaning he will remain under the supervision of the Department of Corrections for the rest of his life.

As part of the judgment, Jasso was ordered to pay $1,578.65 in pecuniary damages to the Crime Victims Compensation Program, based on a restitution statement filed by the prosecution.

A $1,370 fine and related surcharges were suspended. Jasso must register as a sex offender and comply with related restrictions.