COTTONWOOD COUNTY — A warrant has been issued for an Iowa man to face charges of criminal sexual conduct involving a minor. James Hanno, 64, is facing one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct for reportedly engaging in sexual contact with a person under the age of 13, and a second count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct for reportedly possessing a significant relationship with the victim.
The Cottonwood County Sheriff’s department was alerted by the victim’s mother of the possible sexual assault, believed to have occurred the previous summer.
The victim completed a forensic interview at Child’s Voice in late January and disclosed that Hanno had touched the victim sexually more than once. The first incident occurred while the family was at Lake Talcot during the summer of 2021. Hanno told the victim he wanted to spend time together out in the water. He proceeded to engage in sexual contact with the child, according to the report. The victim expressed being uncomfortable and not understanding what was happening. Hanno moved his hand back like nothing had happened, and went back to shore.
The victim disclosed other incidents as well.
The victim’s mother confirmed seeing Hanno take her child into the water during the incident at Talcot Lake. During an interview with law enforcement on March 6, Hanno confirmed being in the lake talking with the child while everyone else was back on shore.
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If convicted, Hanno faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison and/or a $35,000 fine on each of the charges against him.
