Former adviser Albert Lea admits to having sex with a student

ALBERT LEA, Minn. (KTTC) — Richard John Polley, 35, of Albert Lea, pleaded guilty Thursday to a charge of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.

According to court documents, Polley had sex with a 17-year-old student in January 2022 after the two became close through their duties as a high school guidance counselor before becoming friends on Snapchat.

This plea came after a mistrial in September.

Polley is scheduled to be sentenced on January 29, 2025.

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