Charles City woman changes mind, now wants to stand trial on sexual abuse, weapons trafficking charges

CHARLES CITY — A Charles City woman accused of sexual abuse, trafficking stolen weapons and drug charges plans to be tried on the charges after negotiations have broken down on a potential plea agreement.

Officers in October of last year conducted a search warrant in the 400 block of Clark Street where they allegedly found a stolen Taurus 40-caliber pistol inside a purse belonging to 26-year-old Lanee Blackman which was later confirmed stolen out of Chicago. Marijuana was also discovered on a kitchen table. On further investigation, Blackman was also accused of having sexual intercourse multiple times with a 15-year-old male at her residence between May and July 2023.

Blackman was charged with third-degree sexual abuse, a Class C felony, as well as trafficking a stolen weapon, a Class D felony, and possession of a controlled substance.

A plea change hearing was scheduled for this week in Floyd County District Court, but according to an order filed by District Judge Chris Foy, there’s been a breakdown in negotiations between the parties on a plea deal, and Blackman now wishes to stand on her earlier plea of not guilty and have the case proceed to trial.

Foy scheduled a jury trial to start on January 22nd.