Northeast Man Accused of Sexually Abusing Children, Crimes Could Go Back Over Six Years

A Northeast Iowa man has been accused of sexually assaulting multiple children, including one victim over a half-decade ago.

The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) received a report on Saturday (06.06) of multiple children being sexually abused at a residence in Decorah. An investigation led to search and arrest warrants served On Sunday (06.07) at the residence of 29-year-old John Gerdemann in the 3800 blcok of 228th Avenue in Decorah. 

Gerdemann was taken into custody on charges of second-degree sexual abuse, a Class B felony; third-degree sexual abuse of a child victim by a person four or more years older, a Class C felony; incest, a Class D felony; and assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, an aggravated misdemeanor

Criminal complaints allege Gerdemann sexually assaulted one victim six to eight years ago at the same residence, when the victim was nine to 11 years old. Other victims ranged from 14 to 17 years old.

Gerdemann is being held in the Winneshiek County Jail on $50,000 cash-only bond. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing next Monday (06.15) in Winneshiek County District Court.

The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office.