The Iowa Department of Public Safety said late this (Friday) afternoon, that law enforcement in western Iowa have arrested and charged a 17-year old Sac County resident for the alleged sexual assault of a family member. An investigation into the allegations began on February 27th, 2012, after a local doctor contacted the Sac County Sheriff’s Office to report the sexual assault of a minor girl who was mentally handicapped.

On March 1st, the Sac County Sheriff’s Office requested the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) assist in the investigation.  The Sac County Sheriff’s Office and the DCI proceeded to collect evidence related to the sexual assault.  Through the evaluation of evidence, 17 year old Avery Tjossem was identified as the offender.

Tjossem turned himself in to Sac County Authorities today (Friday, May 4th), He was booked and charged with Sexual Abuse 3rd (a Class C Felony) and Incest (a Class D Felony).  Tjossem has since been released on his own recognizance.