A former school teacher in southwest Iowa was sentenced today to two years of probation after being convicted of two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor by a school employee. Sixty-five-year-old William Foulkes taught math in the Anita Community School District but resigned after his arrest nearly two years ago.

Foulkes will serve out his probation at a residential correctional facility, when space becomes available. Foulkes’ Attorney, F-Montgomery Brown, commented on the sentence. Brown says the sentence was a “just resolution, given Mr. Foulkes’ history and lack of prior criminal record, his military service.”

He said also the sentence was “fair” and “sufficient to protect the public.” Brown said Foulkes is at a low risk to re-offend. Foulkes admitted to kissing a juvenile female on numerous occasions while teaching the student in a math program from August 2009 until November 2010. He resigned in November 2010.

Foulkes was sentenced after apologizing to his victim, her family, his family and the court. The original four-year prison term was suspended. Foulkes will be placed on the state’s Sex Offender Registry for 10 years. In addition, he must complete a sex offender treatment program and make $650 restitution to the victim and the state, plus court costs and fees.

He pleaded guilty to the charges in September as part of a plea agreement. A felony charge of sexual exploitation and 47 other aggravated misdemeanor charges of sexual exploitation were dropped.

By Ric Hanson, KJAN, Atlantic