Nora Springs counselor charged with having sex with teen client

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

A Nora Springs woman is facing two felony charges after allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old client while she worked as a counselor at a youth mental and behavioral health services organization in Mason City.

Sharmae Marie Field, age 27, of Nora Springs, was charged with sexual abuse in the third degree, a Class C felony, and sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist, a Class D felony.

According to information filed in Floyd County District Court, Field was employed as a counselor at Francis Lauer Youth Services, where the alleged victim, identified as a 14-year-old boy, was a client.

The report alleges that Field would pick up the boy near his home in Mason City and then drive to Rudd where they would have sex.

“This happened on multiple occasions at two different residences in Rudd,” the report says. The incidents allegedly occurred between March 2017 and August 2018.

Field was arrested March 21 in Nora Springs. She was released under the supervision of the Iowa Department of Correctional Services. A no-contact order was issued between Field and the alleged victim.

Arraignment has been set for April 25, although typically the defense attorney will file a written arraignment and enter a plea and a trial date will be set.