Former University of Iowa social worker faces additional sexual exploitation charges

Three new sexual exploitation charges were filed this week against a former University of Iowa social worker who previously has been charged with multiple counts of sexually exploiting his patients.

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James Daniel Burkhalter, 45, was first charged in July 2023 with six counts of sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist. He is accused of having sexual contact with a patient on six occasions between October 2020 and May 2021. Four happened during scheduled appointments, during which he was to provide mental health services, and two happened at the patient’s residence, according to criminal complaints.

In May 2024, two additional charges of sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist were filed against Burkhalter. Criminal complaints for those charges stated he inappropriately touched a different patient twice during appointments in 2022.

Both of those cases against Burkhalter still are in the process of being adjudicated, and he was released from jail after posting a $10,000 bond.

Burkhalter was arrested again Thursday on a warrant for three more charges of sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist.

Criminal complaints state he engaged in a sex act with a patient three times in 2019. A no-contact order filed with the new charges identifies the victim as the same patient connected to the initial charges filed against Burkhalter in 2023.

Burkhalter had his first appearance in Johnson County court for the new charges on Friday and was released on his own recognizance.

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