Jack Lee Bown

A Marshalltown man has been charged with sex abuse of a child

According to a Marshalltown Police Department report, local officials began an investigation into a complaint of possible sexual abuse involving an adult male and a juvenile female under the age of 10 back on Dec. 1.

MPD Capt. Mike Hanken told the Times-Republican that the detective assigned to the investigation arranged for the child to be taken to the Child Protection Center in Hiawatha for an examination and interview per department protocol.

On Thursday, the suspect, identified as Jack Lee Bown, 55, met with the investigating detective, was interviewed and subsequently arrested and charged with second-degree sexual abuse (Class B felony) and indecent contact with a child (aggravated misdemeanor).

Bown was transported to the Marshall County Jail where he is currently being held pending his initial court appearance set for 8:30 a.m. Friday.