Attorney General Brenna Bird praised on April 9 the sentencing of Aaron James Manz, a Palo Alto man convicted of sexually abusing two minor children. Judge Adam Miller of the Palo Alto County District Court sentenced Manz to a total of 200 years in prison after his conviction for eight counts of Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree.
The case is significant because it involves serious crimes against young victims and resulted in a lengthy sentence intended to reflect the gravity of those offenses. Each count carries an indeterminate term of 25 years, with sentences ordered to run consecutively.
A jury found Manz guilty on February 11, 2026, for abusing two children under the age of twelve. The court’s decision followed careful consideration by jurors and professionals involved throughout the process.
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of Manz’s crimes and the profound impact they have on his young victims,” said Attorney General Bird. “I’m grateful to the court for this sentence, to the jurors for their careful attention to the evidence, and to the victims for their courage. We also recognize the work of law enforcement, victim advocates, and the professionals who supported these children through an extremely difficult process.”
Officials remind anyone experiencing sexual abuse that help is available through local law enforcement or confidential support services such as Iowa Victim Service Call Center at 1-800-770-1650 or by texting “IOWAHELP” to 20121.
