An opinion piece featured in a recent edition of a Des Moines media source has caused a stir in Washington County. The piece described an alleged rape that occurred inside the Washington County Jail. The victim of the alleged crime is undocumented immigrant, Martin Medrano.

According to Washington County Sheriff, Jerry Dunbar, after Medrano reported the incident, personnel followed protocol and notified all of the necessary agencies. This is in contrast to what was written in the article, which purported officials were attempting to cover-up the incident.

Dunbar says that after the incident Medrano was brought to the hospital, where no physical harm was detected. He says Medrano was also given continued medical attention, until he declined treatment.

The opinion feature mentioned that the County Attorney wouldn’t sign a U-Visa; something an illegal alien can obtain in order to be a witness. Dunbar shares that the reason he wouldn’t sign it is because there are other options. He says his biggest issue with the U-Visa is that it would grant Medrano United States citizenship for five years, for a case that will be tried within a year. He says that since Medrano is illegal and has been charged with identity theft he’d prefer to take another path.

He added he’d be talking to the County Attorney today or tomorrow about these alternatives. As for the sexual assault, he says unfortunately incidents like this happen in detention facilities all over the country.