Ben Dawson
/ Courtesy of the Appanoose County Jail
CENTERVILLE, IOWA -- One of the Heartland's most bizarre court cases is over.
84-year old Ben Dawson was sentenced in Appanoose County Court on Friday for prostitution.
According to court records, Dawson received a deferred judgment. That means the conviction will be removed from his record if he completes his two-year probation without incident.
Dawson does have to compensate the state for the cost of his prosecution, make restitution to the victim and a pay $625 civil penalty.
He must also continue to abide by the no- contact order with the victim.
Dawson pleaded guilty last month to one misdemeanor count of prostitution.
He faced several other charges, but those were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Dawson was arrested in November of last year, after police said he had offered to settle a debt with the victim by offering sex acts.
He was a candidate for Centerville City Council at the time.
His age and the unusual charge resulted in nationwide media coverage of his arrest.
Exclusive KTVO interview with Ben Dawson
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