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Court Rules in Sexual Predator Case

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Oct 10, 2008 at 3:20 PM CST

Story Updated: Oct 10, 2008 at 3:20 PM CST

DES MOINES (AP) - The Iowa Supreme Court has sent the case of civilly committed sexual predator back to district court for a hearing on whether he should be released.

Harold Johnson was convicted of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse in 1985 and lascivious acts with a child in 1994. He was civilly committed in 2001.

Johnson argued that the Story County District Court erred last year when it denied his request for a final hearing to determine whether he was eligible for release.

The Supreme Court found in its ruling Friday that to earn a final hearing, a person civilly committed must show evidence that could lead to reasonable doubt on whether his mental abnormality has changed.

It says Johnson met that standard and returns the case to district court.

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