Judges gives Dysart man probation for sexually assaulting two children

A 40-year-old man convicted of sexually abusing two children was given five years' probation Friday in Linn County District Court.

Kurt R. Walters of Dysart made an Alford plea in March to two counts of lascivious acts with a child. An Alford plea is when a defendant claims innocence but admits the prosecution has enough evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Walters sexually abused two girls from Jan. 1, 2006, through Dec. 31, 2009, while one child was ages 3 to 6 and the other was ages 6 to 9, according to a criminal complaint. The abuse occurred in Hiawatha and Cedar Rapids.

Assistant Linn County Attorney Jason Besler asked the court for 10 years in prison.

The victims' mother also asked the court to give Walters prison time.

Sixth Judicial District Chief Judge Patrick Grady suspended the 10-year prison sentence and gave Walters five years' probation.

Walters also will have to serve a 10-year special sentence of probation following his five years of probation because the crime

was a sex offense, and he must be on the sex offender registry for 10 years.