Honk News (Iowa City, IA) – A former paraeducator from Iowa City West High School has admitted guilt to charges of sexual exploitation following his arrest for reportedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a minor student.
Joel Munzila, 22, faced arrest in June 2024, following his earlier “dismissal” from the Iowa City Community School District several months prior. Last summer, a criminal complaint was filed alleging that Munzila engaged in a month-long sexual relationship with a student between September and October 2023, during which time Munzila was 21 years old and employed as a paraeducator at West High.
The agreement regarding the sexual exploitation case involving a school employee outlines limited details, notably an acknowledgment that Munzila “engaged in a pattern of sexual conduct with (student)” during their time at the school.
Police report that Munzila initiated a relationship with a student and devised a plan to leave school during his work hours to pick the student up in his car from a nearby area. Allegations have emerged that Munzila and the minor student visited a residence in Coralville, where they purportedly participated in sexual activities on five separate occasions.
It is claimed that Munzila would leave the student in a nearby neighborhood before heading back to the school to continue working. The criminal complaint claimed that Munzila “did this in an effort to hide his connection with the victim.”
The Iowa Department of Education defines a paraeducator as a role that supports licensed educators in assisting students. Paraeducators lack certification for direct instructional responsibilities.
Munzilla could potentially face a prison sentence of up to five years, yet has sought a deferred judgment. The plea agreement includes a no-contact order that will be enforced for the next five years.
The date for sentencing has been scheduled for April 24.