Arraignment in the case of a former Harlan teacher charged with felony Sexual Exploitation by a School Employee and and Aggravated Serious Misdemeanor charge of Assault with Intent to Commit Sexual Abuse, is scheduled to take place later this month.

Lee Nelson

According to online court records, 72-year old Lee Gordon Nelson, of Harlan, is scheduled to appear in Shelby County District Court on August 26th. His trial will take place October 29th.  Nelson plead not guilty to charges on July 26th. He remains free on $7,000 bond.  If convicted on both charges, Lee faces up to seven-years in prison and fines amounting to nearly $14,000.

According to the Iowa DCI, a 17 year old female and her parents contacted Harlan police on May 30th, 2013, to report that since October, 2012, Nelson had been saying rude and inappropriate things to the victim, as well as touching her inappropriately. The incidents allegedly occurred at school, on band trips and at his residence.

Nelson was employed with the Harlan Community School District for 35 years, before the school board accepted his resignation on April 22nd.