MASON CITY | A former Mason City day care operator accused of sex abuse is requesting a closed sentencing hearing after North Iowans coordinated a protest over a plea deal, which dropped more serious charges against her.
Tawny Marie Symonds, 31, of Charles City, was initially charged with assault and felony second-degree sexual abuse for allegedly victimizing one of the children at her home-run day care, 696 13th St. S.E., Mason City, according to court documents.