Primghar, Iowa — A Paullina man who was tried recently for felony sex abuse in connection with an investigation is awaiting his fate.
According to the Paullina Police Department, in February, they arrested 34-year-old Richard Eugene Buckley, who was charged with two counts of second-degree sexual abuse, which is a class B felony; and one count of lascivious acts with a child, a class C felony.
The police department says that Buckley was arrested in connection with an investigation between their officers and the Iowa Department of Human Services.
According to O’Brien County Attorney Micah Schreurs, Buckley waived his right to a jury trial. He says that after a multi-day bench trial last week, the judge adjourned and will render a verdict and a sentence. Schreurs says while there is no timeline in place for the ruling, he would expect a ruling soon.
If convicted of a class B felony, Buckley could face up to 25 years in prison per count. If convicted of the class C felony, he could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of between $1000 and $10,000, according to Iowa code.
