Chad Bennett was sentenced to 50 years in prison at his sentencing hearing Thursday afternoon.

On June 8th, Bennett was found guilty on three counts of sexual abuse in the second degree. These charges stem from Bennett sexually assaulting a young girl in June of 2020. 

At sentencing, Bennett was denied a request for a new trial and he was given the maximum penalty on each sentence. Each sentence carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of 17.5 years. Two of Bennett’s sentences will run consecutively and one will run concurrently with the other two. 

Bennett is currently serving prison time in regards to an evidence tampering charge relating to this case. His new sentences will run concurrently with the one he was currently serving. 

Marion County Attorney Jared Harmon was in favor of the decision.

“Justice was served today for Mr. Bennett. Mr. Bennett committed acts of sexual abuse against a child and the courts sentence today is appropriate punishment for what he did. Mr. Bennett will spend the next 50 years in prison and that sentence is a justifiable opinion by the court to protect the citizens of Marion County.”

Bennett will be required to serve at least 35 years before being eligible for parole. He will be required to register as a sex offender in the state of Iowa.