State v. Pearson

TERNUS, Justice.

The defendant, Kris Kanon Pearson (Pearson), was convicted in a bench trial of four counts of second-degree sexual abuse in violation of Iowa Code section 709.3(2) (1991). He appeals his conviction of count four only.

Pearson argues on appeal that sexual abuse requires the occurrence of a “sex act” which is defined in part as “sexual contact.” Because both Pearson and his victim remained clothed throughout the incident that gave rise to count four, Pearson contends there was no sexual contact. He asserts, therefore, that there was insufficient evidence to convict him of count…