A man who was as a counselor at a northwest Iowa facility for people with disabilities is sentenced to five years in prison after allegedly exploiting a client. The Lyon County Attorney’s office says 45-year-old William Edward Meeks of Rock Rapids was sentenced on Monday.
Meeks was found guilty by jury of sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist, or school employee on February 25 of this year. Meeks was an employee of Hope Haven at the time of the incident when County Attorney Carl Peterson says Meeks exploited a client of the Hope Haven facility.
Meeks must also pay other fines and penalties. Petersen says that the sentence sends a strong message to protect the most vulnerable members of society. The attorney also stated that he appreciated the hard work that law enforcement and witnesses put into this case.