STATE v. GOODALE (2026)

Daniel Goodale appeals from the discretionary sentence imposed following his guilty pleas to three counts of sexual abuse in the second degree, class “B” felonies in violation of Iowa Code section 709.3(1)(b) (2023), and two counts of incest, class “D” felonies in violation of Iowa Code section 726.2. The district court sentenced Goodale to consecutive twenty-five-year sentences on the class “B” felonies and concurrent five-year sentences on the class “D” felonies. He asserts on appeal the sentencing court considered unproven facts by referencing the “length of time that this abuse occurred.”

At a reported plea hearing,¹ Goodale admitted to perpetrating sex acts on his minor son and daughter between 2019 and 2024. He specifically admitted to “oral sex” on at least four occasions, that the victims were under the age of twelve, and that he knew he was related to them.

We review for an abuse of discretion. State v. Formaro, 638 N.W.2d 720, 724 (Iowa 2002). The defendant bears the burden to affirmatively show that the sentencing court relied on improper factors or clearly untenable grounds. State v. Sailer, 587 N.W.2d 756, 759, 762 (Iowa 1998).

Goodale concedes the date-range for the offenses ranged approximately five years, and the record establishes that the sex acts were on separate occasions. We conclude he has not carried his burden to affirmatively demonstrate an abuse of discretion.

AFFIRMED.

FOOTNOTES

1.   We opt to rely on the plea transcript to resolve this appeal. But Goodale's written plea allowed the court to consider “the entire contents” of the minutes of testimony—not just the portions necessary for the plea—“to support any sentencing decision.”

BULLER, Judge.