By Chad Nation
The World-Herald
April 13, 2011
http://www.omaha.com/article/20110413/NEWS97/704149925
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COUNCIL BLUFFS — Justice.
The word came up several times as three victims of sexual abuse addressed the man — their former pastor — convicted of assaulting them.
Efrain Umana, 55, was sentenced Wednesday to 35 years in prison for three convictions: second-degree sexual abuse, third-degree sexual abuse and assault with intent to commit sexual abuse.
A teen was the victim in the second-degree sexual abuse conviction; she was 11 when Umana took her to his Council Bluffs church where he forced her to have sex with him.
Umana also was convicted of forcing intercourse with a woman who was a member of his Council Bluffs church, Templo Monte Horeb, as well as making unwanted sexual advances towards another parishioner.
"These women trusted you as a pastor, and you violated that trust just like you violated them," said Fourth District Court Judge Richard Davidson.
The teen victim said she did not want to see Umana "rot" in prison.
"I understand he has a daughter and wife, and I know he loves them," she said. "But I want him to understand what he did hurt me.
"I want him to admit what he did, at least to himself. He knows this happened. I just want justice."
A second abuse victim said Umana nearly destroyed her marriage.
"I feel bad for him, he doesn't want to confess, but I believe in justice from God and justice here on Earth," she said.
Umana testified at his trial in January that none of the allegations made against him is true. He did not address the court Wednesday. His attorney, Bill McGinn, advised him not to because of an appeal to be filed in the case.
Umana's daughter, Rose, said the case has been difficult for their family as well, but the family continues to stand by Umana.
"It's amazing that even since this happened, many friends, people we have not seen in years, have come to us and given support," she told the court. "(Umana) always opened his heart to so many people, including people in this courtroom."
Second-degree sexual abuse is a Class B felony in Iowa and carries a mandatory sentence of 25 years in prison. Because it is considered a forcible felony in Iowa, Umana must serve 70 percent of the sentence, or 17½ years, before he is eligible for parole.
Davidson ordered the 10-year sentence for third-degree sexual assault to be served after the first sentence. The sentence for the third charge, also 10 years, will run concurrently with the other 10-year sentence. There is no mandatory minimum amount of prison time attached to these two convictions.
Jury selection for a trial on similar charges — first-degree sexual assault of a child — against Umana is scheduled to begin in Douglas County Court in May.
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