Supreme Court Demands Resentencing in Sexual Abuse Case

Tools

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Apr 18, 2008 at 11:14 AM CST

Story Updated: Apr 18, 2008 at 11:14 AM CST

DES MOINES (AP) - The Iowa Supreme Court has sent a sexual abuse case back to district court for resentencing because a prosecutor broke a plea agreement.

The Scott County case involves Greagory Bearse, who was charged with sexual abuse for having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl. As part of a plea agreement, he agreed to plead guilty and the state agreed to recommend against prison time.

A presentencing investigation recommended prison time. During sentencing, a different prosecutor showed up and said the state agreed with the presentencing report. Bearse's attorney did not object and he was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.

The Supreme Court says the justice system "does not allow prosecutors to make sentencing recommendations with a wink and a nod." It also found that Bearse's lawyer had a duty to object to the breach in the plea agreement.

Next Article Field of Dream Project Advances to Full Iowa Senate

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Violent crime, sexual abuse, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.