Lillibridge

Opening arguments in the trial of a local man charged with sexual abuse against a minor are expected Wednesday after jurors were seated Tuesday afternoon.

Todd Phillip Lillibridge, 49, was charged with performing a sex act on a child under age 12, according to criminal complaints and affidavits filed in Marshall County District Court in September last year.

Based on the minor’s report of sex abuse reported to educators last year and subsequent investigation, Marshalltown police charged the defendant with two counts of sex abuse in the third degree and one count of sex abuse second degree based upon the age of the victim when the alleged incidents occurred. Sexual abuse in the third degree is a Class C felony and sexual abuse in the second degree is a Class B felony.

He pleaded not guilty to all counts.

The eight-woman, six-man jury which includes two alternates, was seated late Tuesday afternoon following a day of questioning from prosecution and defense attorneys. The nearly 65 potential jurors were asked about their knowledge of the case, whether they feel they can be unbiased jurors and if they had any conflicts that could possibly interfere with their jury service.

The were also reminded by Judge John Haney that since Lillibridge pleaded not guilty to all counts, he is considered innocent until proven guilty. It will be the job of the prosecution to prove Lillibridge’s guilt to all jurors beyond a reasonable doubt, Haney said.

Once the 14 jurors were selected, the remaining members of the pool were excused. Haney then read jurors what is known as an admonition, where he told them expectations.

“It will be your duty to find from the evidence presented what the facts are,” Haney told jurors. “You are the judges of the facts.”

He also explained to jurors what constitutes evidence, which includes witness testimony, and what doesn’t, including questions asked by attorneys, objections by attorneys, as well as opening and closing arguments. Jurors were also told not to discuss the case with family members, friends or other parties until completed. They were told to ignore print and electronic media reporting of the case as well as social media.

“Keep an open mind until you start your deliberations at the end of this case,” Haney said.

The case is being prosecuted by Marshall County Attorney Jennifer Miller and Assistant Marshall County Attorney Luke Hansen. Lillibridge is represented by Chad Frese and Jennifer Frese with law offices in Marshalltown.

Miller is expected to call the alleged juvenile victim to the stand. Additionally, she is expected to call several members of Marshalltown Police, a member of the Ames Police Department and two DNA experts among others as witnesses for the prosecution. Frese is expected to call Lillibridge’s family members and medical professionals among others as defense witnesses.

The trial is expected to last through Thursday with a possibility of continuing into next week. Proceedings are being held in one of two temporary courtrooms installed in the MAX building after the July 19 tornado devastated much of the Marshall County Courtouse exterior and interior.

Lillibridge turned himself in to authorities in September. He was later taken to Marshall County Jail and held on $50,000 cash/surety bond. However, he posted bond and was released.

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Contact Mike Donahey at

641-753-6611 or

donahey@timesrepublican.com