OTTUMWA — An Ottumwa man was arrested last week as the result of a sex abuse investigation that lasted approximately one month.

On March 1, 2024, the Ottumwa Police Department initiated a Sex Abuse investigation after a juvenile victim reported being assaulted over an extended period of time.

On March 28, 2024, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the suspect in the case was arrested where he was living at 125 Joseph, in Ottumwa.   The suspect is identified as Michael Alan Sherwood, age 39, of Ottumwa.   Sherwood was charged with the following offenses: 

• Sex Abuse in the 2nd Degree (3 Counts), all Class “B” Felonies
• Sex Abuse in the 3rd Degree (3 Counts), all Class “C” Felonies.
• Distribution of a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance to a Person Under Age 18, a Class “B” Felony
• Lascivious Acts with a Child, a Class “D” Felony
• Indecent Exposure, an Aggravated Misdemeanor

Sherwood is currently being held without bond in the Wapello County Jail.