PRIMGHAR, Iowa (Iowa Media Wire) — A Sibley man and mental health therapist is accused of sexually abusing a 13-year-old.
According to court documents, a 13-year-old boy reported to police that his mental health therapist, Martin Wallace, 75, made inappropriate contact with him. The child said there were three separate occasions of indecent contact. These incidents took place from August 1, 2023 through May 4, 2024 in Sheldon.
Wallace allegedly told authorities that he didn’t have any cameras recording the sessions. During a search of Wallace’s office, authorities found multiple hidden cameras, including a magnetic hidden camera, documents state. Authorities also found evidence that matched the victim’s statements.
Wallace was arrested on a warrant on May 31. He was charged with the class D felony of sexual exploitation by counselor or therapist, the class C felony of lascivious acts with a child, and the class B felony of second-degree sexual abuse. He was booked into the O’Brien County Jail on a $40,000 bond, but he bonded out on June 1.
Wallace’s next court appearance is scheduled for the afternoon of June 21.
Wallace has a license for “Mental Health Counselor” that is active as of Wednesday afternoon, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health Bureau of Professional Licensure. His license is set to expire in September 2024.