Hunter
02/03/21
An Iowa City man accused of attempted sexual assault over the past summer has had his second lawyer withdraw ahead of his February 17th hearing.
Police say the incident in question occurred the evening of August 18th at the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. The alleged woman victim was jogging there around 7:30pm when she was approached by 29-year-old Ryan Bacon, who reportedly accosted her with personal questions. The woman said Bacon identified himself as “Ryan” during the encounter. He then allegedly grabbed the woman and attempted to kiss her on the lips. She eluded further contact with Bacon and made her way to her parked car. Bacon reportedly followed her, and when she opened the driver’s side door, he is accused of grabbing her vagina and attempting to kiss her again.
The woman got into her car and drove away, calling police. During the subsequent investigation, the victim was able to identify Bacon both by name and by known photographs.
A warrant for Bacon’s arrest was issued on September 3rd. A hearing for Bacon’s initial appearance was set on January 29th , as he was appointed a public defender. That same day, the same judge, Deborah Minot, approved the withdrawal of counsel and another attorney was appointed.
Monday, the second attorney requested to be taken off the case, and a third attorney was assigned to Bacon’s case. He faces Assault with Intent to Commit Sexual Abuse charges, an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by a two-year jail term if convicted.