A Panora man has pled guilty to two felony counts of sexual abuse charges after engaging in sexual contact with a juvenile female from Des Moines in early February. According to Guthrie County District Court records, 39-year-old Max Leroy Pierce II pled guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor, a class B felony, and third-degree sexual abuse on a child victim, person four or more years older, a class C felony, after picking up a 14-year-old runaway at a convenience store in Des Moines. Pierce purchased the juvenile alcohol before taking her to his home in Panora and engaging in sexual activities. The next morning, Pierce drove and dropped the victim off at her high school, where she reported the incident to law enforcement. Per the plea agreement, Pierce is facing a maximum prison term of not exceeding 35 years for both charges and will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for May 19.
