Former Albert Lea High School counselor will not get jail time for sex with student, per plea deal

(ABC 6 News) – A former Albert Lea high school counselor and coach who pleaded guilty to sexual conduct with a student will not receive any jail time, electronic home monitoring, or other jail alternative, according to his plea agreement.

Freeborn County judge Christy Hormann approved the plea deal, which states that Richard Polley will either receive a stay of execution of 24 months, or a stay of imposition of 24 months, and 5 years of probation.

If Polley receives a stay of imposition, then after he completes his probation, the conviction will be amended to a misdemeanor.

Polley was ordered to register as a predatory offender, and he may not have contact with juveniles except as approved by probation.

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Polley pleads guilty

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(ABC 6 News) – Richard Polley, a former Albert Lea high school counselor and basketball coach, pleaded guilty to criminal sexual conduct with a student Oct. 31.

Polley had been scheduled to appear for a pretrial hearing ahead of his second trial in the case, after the first attempt ended when a new piece of evidence emerged during testimony.

The terms of Polley’s plea were not immediately available online, but he pleaded guilty to an amended charge of 4th-degree criminal sexual conduct with a juvenile — contact.

Polley was originally charged with 3rd-degree criminal sexual conduct with a juvenile — includes penetration.

His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 29, 2025.

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Richard Polley mistrial explained

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(ABC 6 News) — Last week, the trial of Richard Polley, a former Albert Lea high school counselor and basketball coach accused of sexual conduct with a student, ended in a mistrial.

Related: Mistrial for former ALHS counselor accused of sexual conduct with student

On Monday, we learned why the trial came to a sudden end last Thursday.

According to the Freeborn County Attorney’s Office, a piece of evidence used at trial was not disclosed to either the defense or the state before its introduction.

Now, a new pretrial hearing is scheduled for the end of October.