Trial date set for Lee County paramedic charged with sexual abuse

An Iowa paramedic criminally charged with sexually abusing a 10-year-old child is expected to stand trial on May 7.

Daniel Jannusch, 38, of Donnellson, is charged with felony incest and second-degree sexual abuse. Police allege that the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services was investigating a case last August when the agency discovered Jannusch had “told several persons about an incident involving a minor child.”

The 10-year-old victim was then interviewed and, according to police, she alleged Jannusch placed her on a bed and began kissing her while placing his hand down her pants and rubbing her genitalia for a few minutes. Police also allege Jannusch “admitted to coworkers that the incident happened.” At the time, Jannusch worked for the Lee County Ambulance Service.

Jannusch has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Eighth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services has recommended that Jannusch not be released from custody prior to trial. The department’s recommendation to the court indicates Jannusch worked for Lee County Emergency Medical Services for 10 years prior to being fired in the wake of his arrest.

In October 2023, the Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services issued an emergency order suspending Jannusch’s paramedic license on the grounds that he posed “an immediate danger to the public health, safety, and welfare.”

After several continuances, a jury trial in the criminal case is now scheduled for May 7.

Earlier this year, another Lee County EMT was issued a warning by the state for failing to administer CPR to a patient who subsequently died.

Lee County EMS operates out of three stations located in Donnellson, Fort Madison and Keokuk, and responds to roughly to 5,900 emergency calls per year.