(Primghar)– A Sutherland man has been arrested as the result of an investigation into a sexual abuse complaint.
O’Brien county authorities say 66-year-old Ronald Rickett of Sutherland has been charged with one count of sexual abuse in the third degree.
Authorities say it stems from a complaint the Sutherland Police Department received on September 22nd from a woman who claims Rickett sexually assaulted her while she was visiting him at his residence in Sutherland. The victim was treated for minor injuries at the Northwest Iowa Health Center in Sheldon and released.
Sexual abuse in the third degree is a class “D” felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a 7,500-dollar fine.
Rickett was booked into the O’Brien county jail and made an initial appearance today (Tues.) before a magistrate, who set his bond at five thousand dollars. Rickett was released later after posting the bond.
The Sutherland Police Department and members of the Sexual Abuse Response Team assisted the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation.
