Trial Delayed to Next Summer for Cresco Man Charged with Sexual Abuse of Juveniles

Trial has been delayed until next summer for a northeast Iowa man facing 10 charges related to sexual abuse of at least five minor victims. 

73-year-old James Hughes of Cresco was arrested in June on four counts of third-degree sexual abuse, all Class C felonies; and six counts of lascivious conduct with a minor, all serious misdemeanors.

According to the Iowa DCI, a report filed with Cresco Police in March 2021 alleged sexual abuse by Hughes involving a juvenile Boy Scout troop member over several years. Further investigation accused Hughes of sexually abusing four other juvenile boys, also in his troop, with some incidents spanning more than a decade.

Hughes has pleaded not guilty to all charges and, Monday (11.13), a continuance was ordered and his trial date has been rescheduled for July 10, 2024, in Howard County District Court.