PRIMGAH, Iowa (KCAU) — A Sibley man and mental health therapist is accused of sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl.
According to court documents, a 13-year-old boy reported to police that he had been inappropriately touched by psychiatric therapist Martin Wallace, 75. The boy said the lewd contact occurred on three occasions. The incidents occurred between Aug. 1, 2023 and May 4, 2024 in Sheldon.
Wallace allegedly told authorities he did not have any cameras recording the sessions. Authorities searched Wallace’s office and found multiple hidden cameras, including a magnetic hidden camera, the documents state. Authorities also found evidence consistent with the victim’s description.
Wallace was arrested on a warrant on May 31. He was charged with sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist, a class D felony, lewd acts with a child, a class C felony, and second-degree sexual abuse, a class B felony. He was booked into the O’Brien County Jail on $40,000 bail but released on June 1.
Wallace’s next court appearance is scheduled for the afternoon of June 21st.
According to the Iowa Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Occupational Licensing, Wallace is licensed as a “mental health counselor” and his license was active as of Wednesday afternoon. His license is set to expire in September 2024.
