Emmetsburg, Iowa (NorthtwestIowaNow.com) — After a six-day trial, the Palo Alto County jury found Aaron James Manz, 44, guilty on eight counts of second degree sexual abuse. The jury deliberated for three hours before returning the verdict on February 11.

Attorney General Brenna Bird, whose office prosecuted the case alongside Palo Alto County Attorney’s Office, released a statement about the verdict, saying” no child should have to endure sexual abuse…. it’s a measure of justice for the young victims.

During the trial, prosecutors introduced over 100 exhibits, including several physical exhibits and interviews conducted with the Child Advocacy Center. Manz was arrested in February 2025 following an investigation into incidents dating back to 2022.

Manz is scheduled to be sentenced on April 3, 2026, and each count carries a mandatory 25-year sentence. He must serve 70% of his time before parole eligibility.