Man convicted by jury on charges of sexual abuse in Sioux County

ORANGE CITY, Iowa (KTIV) - A man has been convicted by a jury of sexually assaulting a woman in Sioux County, Iowa.

According to the Sioux County Attorney’s Office, on Thursday, July 25, 29-year-old Misael Topete Topete, formally of Hawarden, Iowa was convicted on charges of third-degree sexual abuse of a female by force.

The office says the conviction comes from a sexual assault that took place on Sunday, July 9, 2017. Officials say Topete entered the basement of his mother’s house in Hawarden, Iowa where a young woman was sleeping inside the home. Authorities say an investigation revealed Topete sexually assaulted the woman and he later confessed to police that the woman told him to stop.

“One day before the original trial on March 5, 2018, Topete fled to Mexico becoming a fugitive from justice. On Feb 18, 2024, Topete turned himself in to authorities.” said the Sioux County Attorney’s Office.

Authorities also say since sexual abuse in the third degree is considered a forcible felony, Topete will remain in the custody of the Sioux County Jail, until a sentencing hearing can be scheduled.