An Albia man has had his appeal denied by the Iowa Court of Appeals.

Michael Kelso-Christy was found guilty in Marion County of 2nd degree burglary with sexual motivation enhancement, a class C felony, in January of 2016. According to court records, Kelso-Christy impersonated an acquaintance of the victim on social media and tricked her into having sex with him. Kelso-Christy was sentenced to ten years in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender. He appealed his conviction for burglary in the second degree, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence. On Wednesday, Kelso-Christy’s appeal was denied and his conviction affirmed. The Court wrote, “Based on the unique facts of this case, we conclude sufficient evidence exists to conclude Kelso-Christy had the intent to commit sexual abuse by deception when he entered the victim’s residence. We thus affirm his conviction and sentence.”

Marion County Attorney Ed Bull tells KNIA/KRLS News: “It is important to keep in mind this defendant still has the right to seek further review to the Iowa Supreme Court. When we advanced this case we understood we would need to prevail at the appellate level. This case was unique and complicated as to whether the acts committed by the defendant would be considered a crime under Iowa law. We felt confident that this case would set a precedent in Iowa. I am glad the Iowa Court of Appeals ruled in the State’s favor today, as there was no question by law enforcement or in my mind this man committed a crime worthy to investigate, prosecute and ultimately prevail at the appellate level as well.”