KDSN RADIO News
Sex abuse investigation in Guthrie County results in the arrest of a Panora man
Guthrie County, Iowa (February 13, 2025) – The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office reports that on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office about an active sex abuse investigation and authorities believe the crime occurred in Guthrie County. It was alleged, that on February 3, 2025, a fourteen-year-old female ran away from home in Des Moines and was approached by an unknown, adult male near QuikTrip. The male offered to buy the female alcohol and drive around, to which the female agreed. The female became intoxicated throughout the night and eventually lost consciousness. When the female awoke, she was in the male’s residence where the two had sexual intercourse.
The next morning, the male dropped off the female at or near her high school and the female reported the incident to local law enforcement. Due to the help of license plate readers and security footage, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office was able to identify a vehicle and suspect of interest. The fourteen-year-old female positively identified the suspect as being 39-year-old Max Pierce of Panora, Iowa. She also identified his vehicle. The female explained Pierce’s residence in detail and shared her observations.
The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Max Pierce’s residence on February 12, 2025, at 12:20 p.m. Evidence was seized pursuant to the search warrant. Max Pierce was present and interviewed. He admitted to having sex with the female and taking her to school the next morning. Max L. Pierce age 39 of Panora, Iowa was arrested for Sex Abuse 3rd Degree and transported to the Guthrie County Jail. Additional charges are pending.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
