Orange City, Iowa — A Rock Valley man was sentenced to jail time and probation after he was convicted of assault by strangulation and other crimes recently.
Sioux County Attorney Thomas Kunstle says that 23-year-old Julian Barrientos of Rock Valley was sentenced on Friday, July 14, 2017, in Sioux County District Court for the crimes of Assault, Obstruction of Emergency Communication, and Disorderly Conduct.
Kunstle says that on November 13, 2016, Barrientos’ former girlfriend arrived home with her two children who were 4 and 3 years old. As the victim exited her vehicle, Barrientos asked if he could stay with her. He says Barrientos had a former tumultuous relationship with the victim and resided with her in the past. After the victim declined, Kunstle says Barrientos grabbed the victim’s phone, climbed through the vehicle, began hitting the victim in the face using his closed fists, pulling her hair (some of which came out), and finally strangled her. The two young children were crying and inside the vehicle during the assault. The victim immediately called 911.
Police responded and authorities charged Barrientos with Domestic Abuse Assault by Strangulation, Child Endangerment, Obstruction of Emergency Communication, and Disorderly Conduct.
Barrientos waived his right to a trial by jury and his trial proceeded before a district court judge on May 9, 2017. The Court found no “domestic” relationship existed, and entered guilty verdicts on Assault, Obstruction of Emergency Communication, and Disorderly Conduct.
The Court sentenced Barrientos to 180 days in the Sioux County Jail, two years of probation including the Iowa Domestic Abuse Program, and extended the no-contact order with the victim for the maximum period of 5 years.
