Image Credit: Keokuk Daily Gate
Testimony began Wednesday in Keokuk, Iowa, in the trial of former Midwest Academy owner and director Ben Trane, who has charged with offenses including sexual abuse of a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor, and child endangerment. The charges spring from Trane’s conduct at the school, including alleged grooming behavior and the forcible rape of a student.
An article in the Burlington, Iowa Hawk Eye newspaper reports the prosecution’s opening argument included a plea to the jury by the prosecution that although Trane did not personally commit all the abuse described by survivors of the school, he should be found guilty for facilitating and ordering it. Trane is alleged to have used isolation, physical abuse, sleep deprivation, and starvation as punishment at the school.
As testimony started, a 41-year old woman described what she said was an extremely traumatic experience her son suffered at the school after they sent him there for help. According to her, the student lost 32 pounds during his time at Midwest, leaving the school weighing just 90 pounds.
Testimony will continue Thursday. Trane faces up to 17 years in prison if convicted.
