A Pella man was arrested and is accused of abusing a minor over several years.
James Gareth Verhoef, 40, was charged with one count of 2nd degree sexual abuse, a class B felony, one count of 3rd degree sexual abuse, a class C felony, and two counts of lascivious acts with a child, also class C felonies. Verhoef was picked up on a warrant near Lake Red Rock Saturday by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office, Verhoef is accused of abusing a victim from the time the child was eight years old to thirteen years old at a rural Pella residence in Mahaska County. The Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office is investigating, in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Human Services.
Further charges are possible, pending the ongoing investigation. Verhoef was released on $55,000 bond.