The trial of a Knoxville man accused of sexually abusing a woman in August of 2016 will begin today.

According to court documents, Knoxville officers responded to a call in August of 2016 in the 100 block of West Douglas Street in Knoxville for an alleged assault that had taken place. Upon arrival, officers were told by an adult female that 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 changed to 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 has pleaded not guilty to the charge. The trial is expected to last all week.