- Update -

Preliminary hearing waived

According to court documents, former North Fayette High School teacher James Hanson has waived his initial appearance and right to a preliminary hearing. Waterloo attorney John J. Hines appeared on the defendant’s behalf during the Wednesday, May 1, court proceedings.  

Hanson has been charged with sexual exploitation by a school employee.

Former NF teacher facing sexual exploitation charge

By Mike Van Sickle
Union editor

A former North Fayette High School teacher and basketball coach has been charged with sexual exploitation by a school employee. State and local law enforcement authorities arrested James Hanson at his West Union home at approximately 4 p.m. Thursday, April 25. 

According to court documents, from the fall 2009 to spring 2012 the juvenile female student, to be known as Jane Doe, was a student at North Fayette. The complainant had Hanson as a teacher from 2009 to 2012 and basketball coach from 2010 to 2012. 

During this time, the defendant allegedly engaged in a sexual relationship with Doe that included physical touching inside and outside of clothing. These acts allegedly occurred most often after basketball practice in Hanson’s high school classroom, the training room, and coach’s office.

The defendant allegedly continued this relationship after Doe graduated, sending her explicit text messages while describing sexual acts he wanted to perform on her.

Hanson has denied any physical contact with Doe, but admitted to a close personal relationship with her and admitted sending text messages to Doe that were sexual in nature while she was still a high school student.

Prior to his arrest, a no-contact order was filed against Hanson by Jane Doe on Wednesday, April 24. 

The former North Fayette head girls’ basketball coach resigned from his athletic position in March. 

Once arrested on Thursday by members of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), Fayette County Sheriff's Office, and West Union Police Department, Hanson was transported to the Fayette County Law Enforcement Center.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the defendant posted a $10,000 cash bond four hours later and was released on a promise to appear in court. Hanson’s initial court appearance is scheduled for 9 a.m. today (Wednesday). The charge filed against Hanson is a Class D felony, and if he is convicted, carries a sentence of up to five years in prison. 

North Fayette Superintendent Duane Willhite acknowledged Monday that the school district cooperated fully with the DCI when notified of the investigation a few days prior to Hanson being placed on paid administrative leave on Wednesday, March 20. 

During a special meeting on Monday, April 22, the North Fayette Board of Directors accepted the resignation of the high school government teacher, effective at the end of his current school year contract. 

Willhite noted that, as required by law, the school district reported the allegations to the State’s Bureau of Education Examiners, which will continue its own investigation. Upon the completion of its investigation, the Examiners could choose to revoke the defendant’s teaching license or suspend it for a period of up to five years.

As the law enforcement investigation continues, Fayette County Sheriff Marty Fisher urges anyone with information in regard to the case or any other potential Jane Does to call the Sheriff’s Office at (563) 422-6067.