Guthrie Center Man Sentenced for Sex Abuse of Minor

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Clinton Matthias, a 62-year-old man from Guthrie Center, Iowa, was convicted and sentenced on two Class B Felonies, a Class C Felony, and a Class D Felony related to the sexual abuse of a minor. He initially entered a plea deal on two of the charges but was also sentenced on two additional counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a child.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious nature of sex crimes against minors and the need for strong sentencing and rehabilitation programs to protect vulnerable children in the community. It also raises questions about plea bargaining in such sensitive cases.

The details

Matthias pleaded guilty to third-degree sexual abuse of a child victim who was a member of the same household (Class C Felony) and enticing a minor under 16 for sexual purposes (Class D Felony). For these charges, he will serve concurrent sentences of up to 10 years and 5 years respectively. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a child (Class B Felonies) and received consecutive sentences of up to 25 years for each of those charges. In total, Matthias faces decades in prison, fines, sex offender registration, and a no-contact order to protect the victim.

• On March 5, 2026, Matthias was sentenced for his crimes.