Contact: Rachel Zimmermann Smith, Johnson County Attorney
Contact Number: 319-339-6100
Contact Email: [email protected]
For Immediate Release
Former UI Social Worker Sentenced to 15 Years for Sexually Exploiting Patients
April 16, 2026 (JOHNSON COUNTY, IA) – Today James Burkhalter, 46, of Coralville, Iowa, was sentenced to 15 years after pleading guilty in February to three counts of Sexual Exploitation by Counselor/Therapist, a Class D Felony.
Between March 2019 and January 2023, Burkhalter was working as a licensed social worker for the University of Iowa and provided mental health services to the victims when he sexually assaulted them. Burkhalter was first charged in July 2023 after the first victim came forward.
This case was investigated by the University of Iowa Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant Johnson County Attorney Oubonh White.
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Note: The official online PDF includes attached sentencing orders.