Former state trooper pleads guilty to burglary, receives probation

A former state trooper pleaded guilty Monday in Black Hawk County District Court to a lesser charge involving a 2011 burglary at his ex-girlfriend's home in West Union.

Mikal Lam Yauk, 39, of Fayette, was originally charged with first-degree burglary and assault with intent to commit sexual abuse but he entered an Alford plea Monday to attempted first-degree burglary and possession of a burglary tool in the October 2011 incident, according to court documents. By entering an Alford plea, Yauk doesn't admit guilt but he acknowledges the fact that he would likely be convicted if the case went to trial.

A judge granted a deferred judgment in the case and gave him probation, according to the Waterloo Courier. The charges will come off his record if he completes his probation without violation.

Yauk apologized to the Iowa State Patrol and to the woman, according to Courier article.

According to a police report, Yauk let himself into the woman's home while on duty and armed with his duty pistol with the intent to take a cell phone he had given her.

Yauk was initially placed on administrative leave after being arrested and later resigned.