Former Washington County deputy pleads guilty, convicted of sexual abuse

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) – A former Washington County deputy has pleaded guilty to two counts related to the sexual assault of a young girl.

A criminal complaint states that 23-year-old Noah Schlabaugh raped a 15-year-old girl in December 2023. For this offense he was charged with third-degree sexual abuse.

The complaint also states that on January 5, 2024, Schlabaugh attempted to obtain information about the victim from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office by exploiting his position as a deputy and claiming it was for law enforcement purposes. For this offense he was charged with intentionally requesting, obtaining or obtaining intelligence information under false pretenses.

Two additional charges of third-degree sexual abuse and three additional charges of intentionally requesting, obtaining or obtaining intelligence information under false pretenses were dropped.

On Friday, a judge sentenced Schlabaugh to a suspended sentence of 10 years in prison. He will be on probation for the next two years. He must also register as a sex offender.

Schlabaugh became a Washington County deputy in August 2021. He resigned from the sheriff’s office in March.

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