Sioux Center, Iowa — A Sioux Center man faces charges — one of them a felony — after his arrest on Thursday.
According to the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office, one of their deputies arrested 47-year-old Onofre Bernardo-Mendez of Sioux Center on Thursday night.
The arrest stemmed from the report of alleged sexual abuse that occurred a mile southeast of Sioux Center.
Upon further investigation, deputies believe that Bernardo-Mendez used force to have sexual intercourse with a 20-year-old female. During the investigation, Bernardo-Mendez allegedly offered the victim cash with the intent to influence her testimony.
Bernardo-Mendez was charged with Sex Abuse, a class D felony. If convicted, he could face five years in prison. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of tampering with a witness.
Bernardo-Mendez faces a preliminary hearing on the charges on March 5th.
At last report, Bernardo-Mendez remained in the Sioux County Jail in Orange City in lieu of a $10,000 bond.
