Area social worker accused of improper touching on two occasions

Hunter
05/09/24

A Coralville man was taken into custody this morning after it was alleged he improperly touched a female while employed as a social worker on two occasions.

44-year-old James Burkhalter of Coral Court in Coralville was reportedly employed as a licensed social worker in Iowa City. Between November 3rd and 17th 2022, he was allegedly providing mental health services to a female patient when he placed his hand on the clothed breast of the victim.

A similar second incident occurred in the same location on July 6th of that year.

A warrant for Burkhalter’s arrest was issued earlier this week, and he was booked at the Johnson County Jail at around 5:45 am today. He’s been charged with two counts of Sexual Exploitation by a Counselor or Therapist, and could be sentenced to up to ten years in prison if convicted on both charges.