Former Ames nurse Carl Markley sentenced to life in federal prison for child sex trafficking

A former nurse practitioner and business owner from Ames, Carl Markley, has been sentenced to life in federal prison after pleading guilty to 15 counts of sex trafficking by fraud and coercion. Markley, 45, admitted in November to deceiving numerous young victims and their families over a span of two decades, from 2004 to 2024, with the intent of exploiting them for sex acts.

In a courtroom filled with emotional testimony, a federal judge issued the maximum sentence against Markley, reflecting the severity of his crimes. Prosecutors highlighted that Markley committed hundreds of hours to grooming and abusing victims, estimating that he targeted at least 200 individuals during his illicit activities.

Markley was known for conducting medical exams that he falsely framed as legitimate research, preying on young men, many of whom were his employees. During the hearing, the judge characterized Markley as delusional, emphasizing that he misinterpreted his actions as medical inquiries influenced by a personal fetish.

Victims addressed the court, sharing their harrowing experiences and the psychological scars they bear as a result of Markley's actions. Many referred to him as a "monster" and "predator," detailing how his manipulations have led to feelings of shame and embarrassment.

In court, Markley, clad in a Polk County Jail uniform, expressed regret yet maintained that his activities were research-based, despite the absence of any medical records to support his claims. His conviction serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of sexual exploitation.