The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Schiefer’s sex-assault trial goes to judge

The trial of a Williamsburg, Iowa, man charged with first-degree burglary and third-degree sexual abuse went to the judge Thursday.

On Monday, the alleged victim, a former University of Iowa student, testified that Jonathan Schiefer, 34, entered her apartment without consent and sexually assaulted her. But one of the main issues in the case has been the nature of Schiefer’s intent.

And after nearly three days of testimonies from both sides, each attorney presented her or his closing arguments in a Johnson County courtroom Thursday.

“It’s clear what his intent was,” assistant Johnson County prosecutor Anne Lahey said. “It was specific and goal directed from the beginning.”

Davis Foster, Schiefer’s attorney, iterated that the state had to prove Schiefer’s intent beyond a reasonable doubt.

“The evidence, when you look at its entirety, it does show what his intent actually was and it was not assault or sexual abuse,” Foster said.

The case was conducted as a bench trial, which meant there was no jury. Sixth District judge Ian Thornhill was unsure when he would issue a ruling.

— by Sam Lane

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