Knoxville — Pretrial conferences in cases against Benjamin Lee Curtis, 31, of Pella have been scheduled for November and December.
According to court records, Pella Policeman Ben Hektoen responded to Pella Regional Health Center, in regard to a possible sexual assault, at 1:08 p.m., July 3. There, Hektoen met an adult female who reported being sexually assaulted by Curtis.
The report goes on to say that the woman tried to leave Curtis's apartment when he allegedly grabbed her arm and stopped her. At that time, Curtis allegedly tried to convince her to have sexual intercourse with him. She did not give consent, the report states.
In response, Curtis allegedly struck her face with the back of his hand. He allegedly grabbed her throat and strangled her. From there, he allegedly went through with a sexual assault.
Curtis was then arrested and transported to the Pella Police Department. Hektoen requested that Curtis give him the underpants he was wearing, to allow for evidence collection. Curtis took them off, the report says, then dunked them in water of the toilet before throwing them out of the holding cell.
Curtis has a prior conviction for domestic assault causing injury, dated April 27, 2010. When officers were inventorying a backpack of the defendant's possessions, they allegedly found a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine.
The defendant has now been charged with obstruction of justice, false imprisonment, domestic abuse causing strangulation, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violation of a no contact order.
Curtis already had charges pending against him, prior to this incident. They stem from an April 9 arrest, in which he was charged with attempted second-degree burglary, disorderly conduct and interference with official acts.
The July 3 and April 9 incidents remain as separate cases. The April 9 incident is scheduled to be discussed at a pretrial conference on Dec. 7 at 9:30 a.m. The July 3 incident is scheduled to be discussed at a pretrial conference on Nov. 9 at 9:30 a.m.
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
