Sheldon, Iowa — A Sibley clinical psychologist has been arrested on sex abuse by a counselor charges in Sheldon.
According to a criminal complaint filed with the O’Brien County Clerk of Court’s Office by the Sheldon Police Department, 75-year-old Martin Wallace of Sibley is accused of inappropriate sexual conduct with a 13-year-old client. He was arrested on Friday.
In his statement, the officer says the 13-year-old victim contacted law enforcement to report the inappropriate contact, which was reported to have happened on at least three separate occasions. The officer says evidence to corroborate the victim’s allegation was located in Wallace’s office. It says multiple cameras were also located.
Wallace was charged with second-degree sexual abuse, a class B felony; lascivious acts with a child, a class C felony; and sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist, a class D felony. If convicted of a class B felony Wallace could face up to 25 years in prison, with 10 years if convicted on a class C felony and five years on a class D felony.
Wallace faces a preliminary hearing on the charges on June 21st.
After being booked into the O’Brien County Jail in Primghar, Wallace was released after posting a $40,000 cash or surety bond the next day.
