6 years, 4 months ago by Scott Hardy
Former Midwest Academy owner facing sex, abuse charges
Jury selection is underway in the trial of the owner of a Keokuk boarding school, who’s facing sex and child abuse charges.
The trial of former Midwest Academy director Benjamin Trane is being held in South Lee County Court in Keokuk, and is expected to take up to 7 days. Trane faces charges of third-degree sexual abuse, sexual exploitation by a counselor and child endangerment. It’s alleged that Trane had a sexual relationship with one student, had girls undress and discuss sex for his arousal, and kept some students in solitary confinement for days or weeks. Prosecutors with the Iowa Attorney General’s office recently tried to have the trial moved from South Lee County. That motion was denied.
If convicted on all charges, Trane could get up to 17 years in prison.
