Cresco Man Accused of Boys Scout Sexual Abuse to Serve Up to 10 Years in Prison
A northeast Iowa man could serve up to a decade in prison for sexually abusing Boy Scouts in troops he led.
74-year-old James Hughes of Cresco was arrested in June 2023 on four counts of third-degree sexual abuse, all Class C felonies; and six counts of lascivious conduct with a minor, all serious misdemeanors.
A March 2021 Cresco Police report accused Hughes of sexually abusing a juvenile Boy Scout troop member over several years. Further investigation alleged he also sexually abused four other juvenile boys in his troop, as early as 2008 and as late as 2018.
In December, four charges were dismissed after it was learned alleged “Victim #1” was unable to testify due to health concerns.
In January, Hughes entered Alford Pleas on two counts of third-degree sexual abuse and one count of lascivious acts with a minor. An Alford Plea does not admit guilt, but there’s enough evidence for a likely conviction.
Last week, the defense filed a motion seeking a suspended sentence citing several factors including Hughes’ age, no prior criminal record, and his wife’s health issues that require him to care for her. They also noted their three adult children with psychological issues of their own and the couple’s adoption of three children with special needs. They also argued the accusations against Hughes came after the victims reached adulthood and long after the offenses occurred.
On Monday (03.31) Hughes was sentenced by Howard County District Court Judge Laura Parrish to 10 years in prison for each count of sexual abuse and one year for lascivious acts. None of the sentences were suspended, but they will be served concurrently, meaning he could serve up to a decade behind bars, minus credit for time already served.
