FAIRFIELD — A Keosauqua man is in jail following an attempted sexual assault at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield.

Matthew Thomas Wallace, 20, faces charges of kidnapping in the first degree and sexual abuse in the second degree. The assault reportedly took place Wednesday night as a female student at MUM was walking back to her dorm room on campus. A man grabbed her from behind and took her to a dead-end street, holding her at knifepoint. Authorities say the assailant forced the woman to perform a sexual act.

The victim called 9-1-1 just before 9 p.m. and was able to give police a description of her attacker. They were unable to find him. But on Thursday morning, MUM campus security spotted someone who matched the attacker’s description near the school’s dining hall and contacted police.

Security officers kept Wallace in custody until police arrived. He was questioned at the Jefferson County Law Center before being charged.

Wallace has a prior conviction for theft in Jefferson County.

First degree kidnapping is a Class A felony, the most serious category, under Iowa law and carries a life sentence. People convicted of a Class A felony may only be released if they receive a commutation from the governor.

Second degree sexual abuse is a Class B felony with a maximum prison sentence of 25 years. It carries two significant requirements as well. Iowa law declares it a forcible felony and thus requires a prison sentence. As a sexual offense it also requires registration with the Iowa Sex Offender Registry after conviction.

The investigation remains open and authorities have not ruled out additional charges.

Matt Milner can be reached at (641) 683-5359 or via e-mail at mwmilner@mchsi.com