Hunter
07/28/23
A University of Iowa social worker has been charged after allegedly engaging in sex acts with patients both at the hospital and at patients’ residences.
According to investigators, they have found six cases between October 2020 and May 2021 where 43-year-old James Burkhalter had sex with patients under his care. They include:
- October 21, 2020, December 16th 2020, March 16th 2021 and April 14th 2021 when Burkhalter was a licensed Social Worker employed by the UIHC and allegedly engaged in sex acts with a patient during a scheduled appointment at the hospital.
- An incident on November 21, 2020, when Burkhalter reportedly initiated a text conversation with a patient, who picked up Burkhalter near his home and drove him to their residence. The two allegedly engaged in sex acts at the home. He met the patient at their home the morning of May 17th and again reportedly engaged in sex acts.
A warrant was issued on Wednesday; Burkhalter was taken into custody Thursday afternoon. He faces six counts of Sexual Exploitation by a Counselor or Therapist. If convicted on all charges, Burkhalter could be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison.