Iowa mayor resigns after charges of raping, sexually abusing two young girls

An Iowa mayor submitted his resignation this week following his arrest over allegations that he sexually abused two young girls.

According to The Des Moines Register, the Oelwein City Council approved the resignation of Mayor Jason Manus (R) on Monday.

Earlier this month, Manus was arrested on five count of sexual abuse against two girls, ages 9 and 14.

Arrest documents alleged that on four occasions in 2010 Manus had taken the 14-year-old girl into a basement cellar and sexually assaulted her. The document stated that he placed his hand on the victim's mouth, and held her against her will when she tried to yell for help.

Additionally, Manus was accused of sexually abusing the 9-year-old victim in a way that met the FBI's definition of statutory rape.

Investigators said that some of the crimes uncovered during the investigation could not be pursued because the statute of limitations had expired. However, sexual assault victims have 10 years after their 18th birthday to report sexual abuse in Iowa.

Bond was set at $125,000, but then later reduced to $65,000. Former Oelwein Larry Murphy told The Des Moines Register that he was concerned about Manus' release because he "lives close to a school and a city park

Manus faces up to 125 years in jail if convicted.

Watch the video below from , broadcast Aug. 21, 2014.

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