Former school counselor pleads guilty in sexual abuse case

A former teacher at Regina High School in Iowa City has entered a guilty plea on a sexual abuse charge.

Robert L. Dolan, 60, of Olin, entered an Alford plea Dec. 21 to one count of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, Jones County Attorney Phil Parsons said. A sentencing date hasn't been scheduled.

In an Alford plea a defendant doesn't admit to the crime but agrees there's sufficient evidence for conviction at trial.

Dolan was a business teacher at Regina when he was charged in Jones County last February with third-degree sexual abuse and supplying alcohol to a minor. According to the complaint, Dolan brought beer to the home of a 17-year-old boy Jan. 9. The boy passed out after drinking four beers and awoke to find Dolan fondling him.

The original charges were dismissed after Dolan entered his plea.

The victim wasn't a Regina student. Dolan was placed on administrative leave from the school after he was charged.

Assault with intent to commit sexual abuse is a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Third-degree sexual abuse is also a Class C felony.