The severity of the charge against a Knoxville man who was arrested for alleged sexual abuse August 30 has been increased by the Marion County Attorney’s office.
According to court records Knoxville officers responding to a call that day were told by an adult female Asa Ruben South had sexually assaulted her. The victim was transported to the Knoxville Hospital and Clinics and South was arrested. South was initially charged with sexual abuse in the third degree, a class C felony, but the charge is now sexual abuse in second degree, a class B felony. According to Iowa Code sexual abuse in the second degree applies when the offender displays in a threatening manner a dangerous weapon, or uses or threatens to use force creating a substantial risk of death or serious injury to any person, or when the offender is assisted in the commission of the assault by one or more persons. South’s bail amount increased to $25,000 as a result of the change. South has entered a plea of not guilty.