Lang
6/17/23
Iowa City Police say a suspect gave a 13-year-old girl cocaine and alcohol before sexually assaulting her.
The incident reportedly occurred last November, when 26-year-old Stephen Ross and an unidentified co-defendant began talking with the girl at an Iowa City convenience store. Security video reportedly shows the girl getting into Ross’ car. The three then drove to another store and purchased alcohol. The girl told investigators the two men gave her drugs and alcohol while they drove around, leading to her intoxication. Ross and the co-defendant then allegedly sexually assaulted the girl inside the car before the other suspect dropped her back off at the convenience store where she had first been picked up.
A drug screen showed cocaine in the girl’s system, and Ross’ DNA was reportedly found on her person.
Ross is charged with 2nd Degree Sexual Abuse and Distributing Drugs to a Person Under the Age of 18. If convicted on both charges, he faces a maximum of 50 years in prison.