Urbandale Iman Pleads Not Guilty to Sexually Abusing Johnston Mother and Daughter

An Urbandale religious leader accused of sexually abusing two Johnston women pleaded not guilty Thursday, the Des Moines Register reported.

Nermin Spahic, 40, of Urbandale, is an imam at the Des Moines Islamic and Cultural Center Bosniak on Lower Beaver Road.

Police said Spahic went to a Johnston home Aug. 12 to assist a 42-year-old woman and her 18-year-old daughter by offering religious guidance on personal issues. 

The women reportedly told officers that Spahic performed a ceremonial ritual on them meant to alleviate their struggles. The women alleged that during the ensuing ceremony Spahic sexually assaulted both of them. Authorities said Spahic admitted to performing the ceremonies, but denied that any inappropriate or sexual behavior or contact was involved. 

He was charged with third-degree sexual abuse and two counts of sexual exploitation by a clergy member.