An Ottumwa man who has helped guide leadership classes in Henry County is facing two felony charges in Boone County.
Juan Himar Hernandez, 48, is charged with grooming and enticing a minor under the age of 16 for a sexual purpose.
According to a criminal complaint, Hernandez allegedly communicated through social media with an undercover Boone County Sheriff’s deputy posing as a 14-year-old. Authorities allege Hernandez described sexual acts and attempted to arrange a meeting in Boone.
Hernandez was arrested on a Boone County warrant and later released from jail after posting $10,000 bond. His initial court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, July 30th, at the Boone County Courthouse.
Hernandez is listed by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach as an assistant program director for community and economic development and a community development specialist. He has also been involved with leadership programming in Henry County and was recently named dean of the Ottumwa Leadership Academy for its upcoming program year.
Hernandez previously directed the New Iowan Center for Southeast Iowa and ran unsuccessfully for the Ottumwa School Board last fall.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and Hernandez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.