Iowa principal gets 30 years for taping students

CEDAR RAPIDS - Robert Burke exploited his position as an elementary school principal in Dubuque and his secret videotaping of boys in the bathroom was “unthinkable,” according to angry parents who on Monday urged the maximum penalty for Burke for producing child pornography.

U.S. District Chief Judge Linda Reade agreed and gave Burke, 43, the maximum sentence of 30 years in prison on one count of production of child pornography to which he pleaded guilty in August. He was originally charged with seven charges including possessing, receiving and distributing child pornography. The other six charges were dismissed in accordance with a plea agreement.

“This is the most aggravating circumstances,” Reade said. “Just when you think you have heard of every depravity ... this is the most depraved.”

One side of the courtroom was packed with more than 20 parents of Sageville Elementary School students who wanted to make sure Reade understood what Burke did to their children.

A mother of two victims said no child should have to worry about safety at school.

“He planned and plotted ... he took advantage of his power and position,” she said. “My children are silent victims but I refuse to be.”

Another mother of two victims said confronting Burke was the most difficult thing for her to do, but he betrayed students, parents and the entire community. She asked the court not to consider the “polite and quiet” man sitting in court on Monday but instead to consider the 59 victims and the 32,000 images and 12,000 videos produced by Burke.

A father of 10-year-old victim said his son started to cry when they explained what happened and his son said he wanted to confront Burke and ask him why.

“What he did was unthinkable,” the father said. “My son will never forget this as long as he lives.”

Burke, who showed little reaction or emotion during the hearing, admitted in court to installing a hidden camera in the boy's restroom at the school between January and June and to using the recordings to produce child pornography videos and images found in his home.

Burke installed video cameras under the sinks, above bathroom stalls and put one on his belt so when he walked into the bathroom he could record images of children using the bathroom, Reade said.

Burke apologized to the students and their parents for his “selfish actions.” He said he allowed a “personal problem” to hurt the school district and the community.

“I've shamed my family, embarrassed my friends and angered the community,” Burke said. “The arrest was a vivid wake-up call for me. I've learned my lesson ... I feel (treatment) can help me control my behavior.”

Reade said the sentence she imposed is appropriate because Burke is a danger to the community. He violated the trust of the children, parents and the entire community, she said.

Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Special Agent Ward Crawley testified there was no evidence that any Sageville victims' images or videos were distributed to others, but there was one chat conversation in which Burke offered a video of boys using the bathroom. The person didn't reply to him.

Burke also will be on supervised release for 20 years after his sentence, register as a sex offender and pay a $25,000 fine. He will not be allowed to have contact with children under the age 18 or any contact with the

Sageville students and their parents.