Meeting Set For Options For Oelwein Mayor

The Oelwein City Council has officially accepted Mayor Jason Manus' resignation, following his arrest on sex abuse charges.
During the regularly scheduled meeting Monday night, the Oelwein City Council, led by mayor pro-tem Peggy Sherrets, accepted Manus' resignation.

Manus submitted his resignation last Friday, two days after being released from the Fayette County jail, where he had been held on 4 counts of third degree sexual abuse against a 14 year old girl, and 1 count of second degree sexual abuse, involving a 9 year old girl. The incidents allegedly happened in 2010 at an Oelwein home. Manus was able to post the $65,000 bond to be released from jail.

Manus was elected mayor of Oelwein in 2013, beating incumbent Larry Murphy by less than 50 votes.

Manus was arrested on August 11th, following an investigation by the Department of Human Services and the Fayette County Sheriff's Office.

The Oelwein City Council has the option of holding a special election to fill the mayoral seat, or appointing someone, which would still allow residents to submit a petition calling for a special election.

The council is scheduled to meet this Thursday at 6pm to talk about their options.

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