Storm Lake Man, 63, Charged With Sexual Abuse of Two Minors

Rafael Medina, a 63-year-old Storm Lake resident, is facing a Class B felony and four additional charges after authorities allege he had sexual contact with two minors at a Storm Lake residence over a four-month stretch in 2021.

Storm Lake Police were notified on Tuesday, March 3, by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services of a belated report of sexual abuse. The notification prompted a joint investigation involving the Storm Lake Police Department, Iowa HHS, and the Buena Vista County Attorney's Office. Authorities allege the contact occurred between May and September of 2021, involving two victims under the age of 18.

Medina surrendered himself to Storm Lake Police on March 3 and was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Buena Vista County Jail, where he is being held on a $55,000 bond.

He faces five counts in total: one count of Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, a Class B felony; two counts of Lascivious Conduct with a Minor, classified as serious misdemeanors; and two counts of Indecent Contact with a Child, classified as aggravated misdemeanors.

No court dates have been publicly announced. The Buena Vista County Attorney's Office, which participated in the investigation, has not issued a public statement. Medina's defense representation has not been confirmed in available records.

As is standard in criminal proceedings, Medina is presumed innocent unless convicted. The identities of the two alleged victims, both minors, have not been disclosed.