Ex-student receives probation in assault

A former Iowa State University student will avoid prison but be required to register as a sex offender for assaulting an unconscious female student after an on-campus party, a judge ruled Thursday. Patrick Whetstone, 21, pleading guilty last week to assault with intent to commit sexual abuse. The punishment ends the criminal proceedings in a case that has roiled Iowa State, which is facing a lawsuit from the victim and a federal investigation into allegations that it mishandled the case. Under the terms of a plea agreement accepted by Judge James McGlynn, Whetstone will be on probation for two years and then face 10 years of parole and monitoring as a sex offender. He could be sent to jail or prison if he violates the terms of his release. As a sex offender, he will be listed on a state registry and will have to report his address and social media user names to authorities, among other restrictions. He may also face electronic monitoring for up to five years and be required to undergo treatment.