Schaefer Found Not Guilty On All Counts

A Mahaska County jury found Justin Douglas Schaefer not guilty of 2nd Degree Sexual Abuse and 3 other counts on Friday afternoon.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – A Mahaska County jury comprised of 8 women, and four men delivered their verdict in favor of Justin Douglas Schaefer. The jury took over two days to come to their decision.

Schaefer had been charged on November 30th, 2017 with 2nd Degree Sexual Abuse, a Class B felony.

Family and friends of Schaefer let out sounds of relief as the remaining three charges also came back as not guilty.

The States evidence centered on statements made by Schaefer’s 3-year-old daughter, along with expert testimony.

The defense stated that there was reasonable doubt stating Schaefer didn’t have an opportunity to abuse his daughter because he wasn’t at home alone with her. The defense also said that law enforcement didn’t thoroughly investigate other potential suspects, and focused solely on Schaefer.

Mahaska County Attorney James Q. Blomgren said, “I felt the state had a very strong case and what I really hope for is that this young girl will be safe in future.”

Scott Bandstra, who represented Schaefer during the trial, said that “It has been a herculean effort on the family’s part, I’m honored to represent the Schaefers. They’re just a wonderful set of people. I don’t know why this child made this allegation, but justice was done today.”

“They are wonderful people, and this is why I went to law school to represent people,” added Bandstra. “The jury did the right thing.”

Schaefer walked out of court to his family, who had stood behind him during the accusation and trial. Schaefer can now apply to have his record expunged of all the charges.

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