Special to the Times Vedette
The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office was notified on Feb. 11 by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office about an active sex abuse investigation and authorities believe the crime occurred in Guthrie County.
It was alleged that on Feb. 3, a 14-year-old female ran away from home in Des Moines and was approached by an unknown adult male near QuikTrip. The male offered to buy the female alcohol and drive around, to which the female agreed to.
The female became intoxicated throughout the night and eventually lost consciousness.
When the female awoke, she was in the male’s residence where the two had sexual intercourse.
The next morning, the male dropped off the female at or near her high school, and the female reported the incident to local law enforcement.
Due to the help of license plate readers and security footage, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office was able to identify a vehicle and suspect of interest.
The 14-year-old female positively identified the suspect as being Max Pierce, 39, of Panora. She also identified his vehicle.
The female explained Pierce’s residence in detail and shared her observations.
The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Pierce’s residence on Feb. 12 at 12:20 p.m. Evidence was seized pursuant to the search warrant.
Pierce was present and interviewed. He admitted to having sex with the female and taking her to school the next morning.
Pierce was arrested for sex abuse third degree and transported to the Guthrie County Jail. Additional charges are pending.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.