(Atlantic) Former Massena daycare provider Alison Elaine Dorsey was sentenced in Cass County District Court this morning.
Dorsey pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of Involuntary Manslaughter. Count two: Child Endangerment Causing Death, was dismissed. She was sentenced to a term not to exceed five years with credit for time served (about 20 months). The minimum fine of $750 was suspended. Dorsey must pay $150,000 in restitution. She was also issued a no contact order was with the Hodges family.
Luka Hodges was eleven weeks old when he passed away. At previous trials, prosecutors argued that Luka died from severe brain hemorrhages caused by shaken baby syndrome.
Judge Richard Davidson had Dorsey say in her own words what she did to commit this offense.
“I was caring for “LH” and I picked him up, he was fussy and wouldn’t eat, I rocked him in my arms harder than I should have, I regret that, I unintentionally caused “LH’s” death.”
The court heard six victim impact statements, including statements from Luka’s parents Nick and Kaitlin Hodges, Luka’s sister, and grandparents. (You can hear the full audio of those victim impact statements below).
Kaitlin Hodges said Dorsey did more than just rock Luka.
Kaitlin asked that Dorsey gets the maximum possible sentence.
Nick reflected on the many firsts they never got to share with Luka after his death.
Judge Davidson said Dorsey will be committed to the Director of Adult Corrections in Mitchellville. Mittimus will be issued March 3rd. He said his reason for this sentence is because a plea agreement has been reached.
Dorsey’s initial trial in Cass County in 2021 ended in a hung jury, leading to a second trial in Pottawattamie County. Dorsey was convicted by a jury in Pottawattamie County District Court in June 2023. Her attorneys argued the venue change was inappropriate, that she was denied the opportunity to present additional character witnesses, and that the court erred in denying her motion for a new trial. The Iowa Supreme Court affirmed that evidence was sufficient to support Dorsey’s conviction for second-degree murder and child endangerment resulting in death, but found the case had been improperly moved from Cass County to Pottawattamie County. Because of that venue error, the court ordered a new trial. A trial was scheduled to begin this week, but was cancelled after Dorsey entered her guilty plea.
The Attorney General’s Office has been in charge of this case. The State was represented by Monty Platz and Shawna Johnson. Dorsey was represented by Trever Hook and William Kutmus.
Audio of the Victim Impact Statements below:
