Former Regina High School teacher sentenced to jail, probation for sex charge

A former Regina High School teacher in Iowa City was sentenced Monday in Jones County District Court to 90 days in jail and two years probation for supplying beer to a 17-year-old and fondling him when he passed out last year.

Robert L. Dolan, 50, formerly of Olin now living in Des Moines, pleaded guilty in December by entering an Alford plea to one count of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse and supplying alcohol to a minor.

A defendant doesn't admit to the crime in an Alford plea but agrees there's sufficient evidence for conviction.

Dolan, a former business teacher at Regina, brought beer to the home of a 17-year-old, not a Regina student, Jan. 9, 2010, according to court records. The teen then passed out after drinking four beers and awoke to Dolan fondling him.

Jones County Attorney Phil Parsons asked the court to sentence Dolan to two years in prison for the sex charge, 30 days in jail for the supplying alcohol charge and asked that they be run concurrently for a total of two years in prison.

Jim Thomas, Dolan's attorney, asked the court for a deferred sentence, so Dolan could get proper psychiatric treatment. After this incident with the teen, Dolan entered a mental institution in Independence for his depression and anxiety.

Thomas asked the court to allow Dolan to remain in the community so he could continue to

provide child support for one of his four children who is still a minor. Thomas said Dolan wouldn't be able to receive the proper treatment in prison.

Dolan said he was “deeply embarrassed and ashamed” for his actions and asked for forgiveness.

Sixth Judicial District Stephen Jackson Jr. said this was a difficult circumstance because Dolan express remorse and had taken responsibility for his actions but the court has to look at what happened.

“This was a violation of trust….it's quite concerning,” Jackson said.

Jackson said supplying the alcohol to the minor suggests planning and forethought of the crime. He couldn't grant the deferred judgment but would suspend all but 90 days of the sentence so Dolan could complete the sex offender treatment program.

Dolan will also be placed on the sex offender registry for 10 years and be required to be on special parole for 10 years because of his conviction as a sex offender.

Jackson said he wouldn't authorize Dolan to serve his jail time in Polk County, as requested by his attorney but would allow work release if he qualifies for it.