JOHNSON COUNTY, Iowa — A former University of Iowa social worker was sentenced Thursday to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually exploiting patients he treated while providing mental health services, according to the Johnson County Attorney’s Office.
James Burkhalter, 46, of Coralville, pleaded guilty in February to three counts of sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist, a Class D felony.
Prosecutors said Burkhalter sexually assaulted victims while working as a licensed social worker for the University of Iowa between March 2019 and January 2023…