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Trial begins in Hamilton County sexual abuse case

WEBSTER CITY — A jury was seated Wednesday in Hamilton County District Court in a case accusing a Stratford man of molesting an 8-year-old girl.

Mark Alan Westrum, 69, was charged on Dec. 17, 2019, with second-degree sexual abuse, according to Iowa Courts Online.

He is accused of molesting the child during a church pool party at a private residence in Webster City with about 50 people in attendance, according to court records.

The alleged crime occurred sometime in the spring or summer of 2001, records show.

His initial court appearance was Dec. 24, 2019. He was subsequently released without bail.

Westrum filed a written arraignment and plea of not guilty on Jan. 10, 2020.

The trial is scheduled to begin today.

There is a jury of 12, plus two alternates seated.

Bethany Currie, district court judge, is presiding.

Pat Chambers and Israel Kodiaga are prosecuting.

The defense attorneys are Scott Michels and Robert Rehkemper.

Second-degree sexual abuse is a Class B felony.

Westrum’s original jury trial was scheduled for March 3, 2020, which was then postponed until May 12, 2020.

Subsequent trial dates have included Feb. 17, 2021; July 27, 2021; Sept. 28, 2021; and April 26, 2022.

A Class B felony conviction can mean up to 25 years in prison.

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