NE Iowa Man’s Kidnapping Conviction Tossed Out

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Supreme Court is dismissing the first-degree kidnapping conviction of a man who sexually assaulted a woman in his Dubuque apartment.

The court ruled Friday that the crime committed by Scott Robinson didn't meet the elements of kidnapping.

The ruling is a victory for the 35-year-old Robinson, who'd been serving life without the possibility for parole in the 2011 assault.

The court says prosecutors now have two options. They can try Robinson for second-degree sexual abuse, which would carry a maximum sentence of 25 years.

Or they can ask a judge to sentence Robinson for third-degree sexual abuse, which carries up to 10 years. The jury's verdict means he's guilty of that charge.

Prosecutors say Robinson locked the woman in his apartment against her will, and sexually assaulted her.