Ames man given suspended sentence for burglary, sexual assault at local motel

Nov. 04--An Ames man who allegedly broke into a neighboring room at an Ames motel and sexually assaulted a woman in August, received a two-year suspended sentence and probation at his sentencing hearing Friday, according to Story County Attorney Jessica Reynolds.

Miguel Angel Marinez Garces, 32, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit sexual abuse last month.

Marinez Garces was arrested Aug. 21, and originally charged with assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, second-degree burglary and third-degree harassment.

He pleaded not guilty in late August in Story County District Court, and his trial was originally set for Tuesday before he decided to plead guilty.

According to court documents, Marinez Garces knocked on a door at Ames Motor Lodge Motel, 318 E. Lincoln Way on Aug. 20, and forced his way into the room. When the victim tried to shut the door, Marinez Garces prevented the woman from closing the door by placing his foot in the threshold, documents state.

Documents show Marinez Garces entered the room and assaulted the woman by touching her inappropriately and pushing her onto the bed. Court documents show the woman eventually was able to leave the room.

In addition to the two-year suspended sentence and probation, Marinez Garces received a lifetime on the sex offender registry, is required to complete a 10-year special sentence (probationary period) with the department of corrections after his two-year probation, and has a five-year no-contact order with the victim, as well as fines and court costs.

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