Mason City man sent to prison for sexual assault

MASON CITY | A man charged with sexually assaulting a staff member at the North Iowa Transition Center while he was a resident there was sentenced Monday to up to 10 years in prison.

Joseph D. Wallace, 52, Mason City, pleaded guilty in December to felony third-degree sexual abuse after a psychiatrist determined he was competent to stand trial.

Man arrested on Mason City sexual assault chargeMASON CITY - A man has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a North Iowa Transition Center member.

When released from prison, he will be under lifetime supervision by the Iowa Department of Corrections. He also must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

A $1,000 fine was suspended, but Wallace must pay civil penalties and restitution.

Wallace was a resident at the North Iowa Transition Center when he was accused of sexually assaulting a staff member in March 2016.

The North Iowa Transition Center provides services designed to diminish the impact of mental illness and to assist individuals to live in their community with greater independence, according to the organization's website.

While Wallace was in the Cerro Gordo County Jail in December awaiting sentencing, he was charged with misdemeanor assault on persons in certain occupations after kicking a correctional officer in the shin, according to court records.

Cerro Gordo jail inmate awaiting sex abuse sentence charged with officer assaultMASON CITY - An inmate at the Cerro Gordo County Jail awaiting sentencing on a sexual assault conviction faces a new felony charge after allegedly kicking a correctional officer in the shin.

He pleaded guilty earlier this month and received a two-year prison sentence Monday, which is to be served concurrently with the sexual assault sentence. A $625 fine was suspended but he was ordered to pay restitution.