(Washington, Iowa) –  Officials with the Iowa Department of Public Safety report Jaron Rosien, the Mayor of Washington (Iowa), turned himself-in this (Tuesday) afternoon. Rosien was wanted by Washington County Law Enforcement authorities on criminal charge of Sex Abuse 3rd Degree (Class C Felony).

The charges are a result of an investigation into an incident that allegedly took place January 8th. On January 11th, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) conducted an interview with a 27-year-old male who alleged he was sexually abused by Rosien at a bar on January 8th. Iowa DCI obtained a search warrant for the internal security surveillance footage of the bar on January 12th.

Investigators say footage from the bar shows an individual believed to be Rosien approaching the victim at approximately 1:39 am. Footage shows the individual making sexual contact multiple times with the victim. According to the criminal complaint, Rosien told officials he had behaved “flirtatiously” with an individual matching the victim’s description, but that he could not recall specific incidents due to his own level of intoxication.

Rosien has served the city of Washington since 2014, first as a council member from 2014-2018 and as Mayor from 2018 to present. He released the following statement in response to the allegations:

“I take these allegations very seriously. I also take this job, its duties, and those that rely on me to complete them, very seriously. For this reason I will respectfully step back from the formal role in order to focus on what is required. During this time I think of and wish to thank my family, friends, and community for their support.”

Millie Younquist will step in to carry the duties of mayor during this time.

The investigation into this matter was conducted by Agents within the Major Crime Unit of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation; assisted by the Office of the Washington County Attorney and the Office of the Iowa Attorney General – Area Prosecutions Division.

Link to Complaint/Affidavit