Former Albert Lea guidance counselor pleads guilty to sexually assaulting student – Albert Lea Tribune

A former Albert Lea High School counselor pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of fourth-degree sexual intercourse with a student in January 2022.

Richard John Polley, 35, was previously charged with one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, including sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 18 during a prohibited professional relationship.

The new charge involves sexual contact, but not penetration, with a person under the age of 18 during a prohibited professional relationship.

The plea, part of a plea deal with the Freeborn County District Attorney’s Office, came after U.S. District Court Judge Christy Hormann declared a mistrial midway through Polley’s trial in September after information emerged about evidence that had not been disclosed to either the prosecution or defense during the testimony of former police detective Albert Lee.

Polly had worked as a guidance counselor for one semester at the school before the incident occurred on the night of January 8-9.

He said he began communicating with the student, who was 16 at the time, on Snapchat on Christmas Eve.

Polley admitted in court that he knew the student was under 18 and that he worked with her at school as her guidance counselor.

On the night of January 8, 2022, he said, the student came to his home in Albert Lea twice. The second time, between 11 p.m. and midnight, he and the teenager kissed. He also admitted to placing his hand on her breast with sexual intent.

In response to questions from his lawyer, Patrick Cotter, Polley agreed that he knew what he was doing at the time and agreed that he was prohibited from having such contact with her.

As part of a plea deal in the case, the prosecution and defense agreed that Polley will serve five years of probation with no further prison time. He will be required to undergo a psychosexual evaluation and adhere to guidelines, have no contact with the victim, and have no contact with minor children unless they are under supervision. He will also have to register as a burglar.

Polly is scheduled to be sentenced on January 29.