University of Iowa professor convicted of assault resigns

A University of Iowa assistant professor who has been on paid leave since July 2008 after allegations he assaulted a female laboratory assistant has resigned.

The separation agreement between the UI and assistant professor of pathology Toshiki Itoh, 47, shows Itoh submitted a Jan. 3 letter with his resignation, effective Feb. 23. UI officials had scheduled a Jan. 5 hearing to resolve disciplinary charges against Itoh. That hearing was cancelled after Itoh submitted his letter Jan. 3.

“Upon full and final execution of this agreement, the university shall terminate all disciplinary proceedings against Itoh and will not terminate Itoh for cause,” the separation agreement, dated Jan. 14, reads.

Itoh was to remain on paid leave at the UI through the Feb. 23 effective date of his resignation. Itoh's UI salary is $93,000. He also was prohibited from all parts of the university during the time between the signing of the agreement and the resignation effective date.

Itoh was put on paid leave in July 2008. He was charged with assaulting a female laboratory assistant and performing sex acts against her will. He was convicted in October on two counts of assault causing bodily injury and faces a retrial in April on a felony third-degree sexual abuse charge.

Itoh was hired at the UI in June 2005.