Post by WaTcHeR on Jul 23, 2006 12:38:29 GMT -5
07.23.2006 - DES MOINES, Iowa -- A former Des Moines police officer will avoid jail time but be forced to register as a sex offender after pleading guilty Friday to improper contact with a 13-year-old girl.
Officer Walt Bevel, 44, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of child endangerment and assault with intent to commit sexual abuse.
Bevel, who met the girl while working at the Polk County Youth Shelter, previously faced up to 20 years in prison on felony charges that he abused the girl at the shelter and after she went into foster care.
Assistant Polk County Attorney Nan Horvat said Bevel will likely get probation, be forced to seek psychological treatment and to register as a sex offender.
Formal sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 22.
Bevel was a police officer until he resigned due to an injury disability in 2001.
www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2006/07/23/news/breaking_news/doc44c2fd7fb226e946437107.txt
Officer Walt Bevel, 44, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of child endangerment and assault with intent to commit sexual abuse.
Bevel, who met the girl while working at the Polk County Youth Shelter, previously faced up to 20 years in prison on felony charges that he abused the girl at the shelter and after she went into foster care.
Assistant Polk County Attorney Nan Horvat said Bevel will likely get probation, be forced to seek psychological treatment and to register as a sex offender.
Formal sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 22.
Bevel was a police officer until he resigned due to an injury disability in 2001.
www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2006/07/23/news/breaking_news/doc44c2fd7fb226e946437107.txt