Chad Reese Bennet was found guilty Thursday of three counts of sexual abuse in the second degree. 

Marion County Attorney Jared Harmon tells KNIA/KRLS News that trial in the case of the State of Iowa vs Chad Reese Bennett commenced on March 6, 2023. Bennett had been charged with three counts of sexual abuse in the second degree stemming from allegations in June of 2020. Bennett waived his right to a jury trial and the trial proceeded to a judge. 

At the close of evidence, Judge Charles Sinnard took the matter under advisement and stated he would issue a written ruling at a later date.

On June 8, Judge Sinnard read his written findings of fact, conclusions of law, and verdict into the record in open court at the Marion County Courthouse. Sinnard found that the State had met its burden on all three counts of sexual abuse in the second degree and found Bennett guilty on all three counts. 

In the written ruling, Judge Sinnard noted the credibility of the alleged victim in this case and evidence that corroborates the testimony of the alleged victim. A sentencing hearing has been set for August 10, at 1:30 p.m. at the Marion County Courthouse. 

At sentencing, Bennett faces a prison term of 25 years on each count, including a seventeen-and-a-half-year mandatory minimum on each count before he would be eligible for parole.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Marion County Attorneys Ross Gibson and Joy Messer. The Marion County Attorney’s Office thanked the Pleasantville Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Department for their roles in the investigation of the case and preparation to bring the matter to trial.