OTTUMWA, Iowa — An Ottumwa man is behind bars after allegedly sexually abusing and trafficking a minor.

According to the Ottumwa Police Department, the investigation began on December 24 when officers responded to a report of a possible sexual assault at a residence in the 200 block of South Ward Street. When officers arrived at the scene they located a 12-year-old victim.

On Monday Ottumwa police arrested Jean-Baptiste Stinfort, 57, in connection to the investigation. According to police, on multiple occasions spanning three years Stinfort paid the juvenile victim to engage in sex acts with him.

Stinfort has been charged with Human Trafficking and Second-Degree Sexual Abuse. He is being held at the Wapello County Jail without bond.

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