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Saturday, December 9, 2017

Prison sentence for habitual offender

Friday, December 8, 2017, in Muscatine County District Court:

SHAWN PAUL HEDGER, 30, of Muscatine, pleaded guilty to interference with official acts while armed as a dangerous weapon. HEDGER admitted that he was a habitual offender under Iowa law as he had twice previously been convicted of felony offenses. After pleading guilty he waived his right to a delay in sentencing and was sentenced to a prison term of not to exceed 15 years. He must serve three years before being eligible for parole.

The charge against HEDGER resulted from an incident on July 4, 2017, where HEDGER threatened to burn down a residence in the 400 block of Grandview. When Muscatine police responded to the scene HEDGER brandished a knife at the officers and refused commands to surrender. HEDGER was eventually taken into custody.

HEDGER's mugshot:



On Wednesday, December 6, 2017:

THOMAS ROGER BRASE, 16, of Muscatine, pleaded guilty to robbery in the second degree and prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that BRASE  stole property from a parked vehicle. When confronted by the vehicle owner he brandished and struck the individual with a pistol. BRASE had previously been adjudicated delinquent for the offense of burglary in the third degree and as a result was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

BRASE remains in the Muscatine County Jail pending a sentencing hearing on January 19, 2018, at 9:00 a.m.

BRASE's mugshot:



Friday, December 1, 2017

Prison sentence in shooting case

Today, December 1, 2017, in Muscatine County District Court SEBASTIAN RENE PERALES, 20, of Muscatine was sentenced after pleading guilty to intimidation with a dangerous weapon and willful injury. The defendant received a prison sentence for a term not to exceed 10 years. The prosecution was the result into an incident on July 27, 2017, where PERALES fired several gunshots at a crowd of people in the 500 block of Linn Street. One individual was struck by gunfire as a result. The case was investigated by the Muscatine Police Department.

PERALES's mugshot:


Monday, November 27, 2017

Domestic abuse sends man to prison

Today, November 27, 2017, in Muscatine County District Court:

LUCAS BENJAMIN LEONHARD, 32, of Muscatine, was sentenced after pleading guilty to domestic abuse assault, a class "D" felony. Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department revealed that LEONHARD had manually strangled an adult female and caused bodily injuries. The Court imposed a prison sentence for a term not to exceed five years and a suspended fine of $750.

LEONHARD's mugshot:


Thursday, November 9, 2017

Prison sentence for sexual contact with child

Today, November 9, 2017, in Muscatine County District Court:

PAYTON SCOTT YOUNG, 17, of Muscatine was sentenced to an indeterminate prison term of not to exceed 10 years for the offense of lascivious acts with a child. Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that YOUNG had sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 12. Following completion of his prison sentence he will be required to serve the remainder of his life on supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

YOUNG's mugshot:


Also today:

AUSTIN ERIC STANBRO, 21, of Muscatine was sentenced to an indeterminate prison term of not to exceed 11 years for the offenses of burglary in the second degree and assault causing bodily injury. Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that STANBRO entered a residence without permission with the intent to commit an assault against one of the occupants. He was armed with a knife during the incident. The victim received injuries during the assault.

STANBRO's mugshot:


CHAD ALAN JOHNSON, 35, of Muscatine, was sentenced after pleading guilty to burglary, criminal mischief, and a variety of driving offenses. He was sentenced to a prison term not to exceed five years. The cases against him were investigated by the Muscatine Police Department.

JOHNSON's mugshot:

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Muscatine Man Convicted of Sexual Abuse

October 31, 2017

A Muscatine County jury found MARION TREADWELL MORRISON, 61, of Muscatine, guilty of the offense of sexual abuse in the third degree. The trial began October 30, 2017. The jury deliberated for approximately 40 minutes before reaching its verdict.

Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that MORRISON had sexually abused an adult female by touching her genitals with his hand without consent. The offense occurred September 26, 2016, at a residence in Muscatine.

Following the jury's verdict the court ordered the defendant's bond to be revoked. MORRISON will be held in the Muscatine County Jail pending a December 1, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. sentencing. The offense is a class "C" felony punishable by imprisonment for a term not to exceed 10 years.

The case was prosecuted by Muscatine County Attorney Alan R. Ostergren. The investigation was led by Muscatine Police Department Det. Joe Roseman.

MORRISON's mugshot:


Friday, October 20, 2017

Eluding and methamphetamine possession result in prison sentence

Today, October 20, 2017, in Muscatine County District Court:

OTTO EARL HARRINGTON, 52, of Muscatine, was sentenced after pleading guilty to eluding and possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine. HARRINGTON was arrested May 7, 2017, after a Muscatine County Sheriff's Deputy attempted to pull over a vehicle he was driving for an equipment violation. HARRINGTON attempted to flee from the deputy but crashed his car. A search of the area around his crashed vehicle revealed a personal-use quantity of methamphetamine. The Court imposed a prison sentence totaling not to exceed five years for the two offenses.

HARRINGTON's mugshot:


In another case, SEBASTIAN RENE PERALES, 20, of Muscatine, pleaded guilty to intimidation with a dangerous weapon and willful injury. Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that on July 27, 2017, PERALES fired a gun at a group of people standing in the 500 block of Linn Street in the City of Muscatine. One person was struck. That individual suffered a broken arm due to the gunshot.

PERALES will be sentenced December 1, 2017, at 9:45 a.m. His mugshot:



Friday, September 29, 2017

Muscatine man receives prison sentences for sexual abuse and firearm violations

Today, September 29, 2017, in Muscatine County District Court:

ALEJANDRO ANTONIO FLORES, 20, of Muscatine, was sentenced after pleading guilty to sexual abuse in the third degree and possession of an offensive weapon. The Court imposed concurrent sentences of imprisonment for a total term of not to exceed 10 years.

The prosecution of FLORES was the result of two separate investigations by the Muscatine Police Department. In the first, FLORES was discovered to have had sexual contact with an underage female. In the second, he was found to be in possession of a shotgun with a barrel which had been shortened.

In addition to his prison sentence FLORES will be on supervised release after completion of the term. The supervised release will be for the remainder of his life. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. FLORES had been on probation for a misdemeanor assault at the time of his crimes. The Court revoked the previously suspended 90-day jail sentence and ordered it to be served consecutively with the prison terms imposed for the new offenses.

FLORES's mugshot:


In other matters:

DAVID SOTO, 34, of Muscatine, was sentenced after pleading guilty to lascivious acts with a child. Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that SOTO had sexually touched a 12-year-old child. The Court imposed a prison term of not to exceed 10 years. After SOTO completes the prison term he will be on supervised release for the remainder of his life. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

SOTO's mugshot:



CHAD ALAN JOHNSON, 35, of Muscatine, pleaded guilty to burglary in the third degree, theft in the third degree and criminal mischief in the second degree. The charges resulted from investigations conducted by the Muscatine Police Department into separate incidents. JOHNSON burglarized a commercial business and stole a bicycle in one case. In the other case he damaged another person's motor vehicle.

JOHNSON also pleaded guilty to several driving violations and admitted to violation of probation in several unrelated cases.

JOHNSON will be sentenced November 9, 2017, at 9:00 a.m. He remains in the Muscatine County Jail pending sentencing.

JOHNSON's mugshot:


ALBERTO CESAR VILLARREAL, 25, of West Liberty, was sentenced after pleading guilty to three counts of delivery of a controlled substance, one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, and child endangerment. The charges resulted from an investigation by the Muscatine County Drug Task Force. VILLARREAL had sold both marijuana and cocaine in controlled transactions. The execution of a search warrant at his residence revealed additional cocaine and marijuana. The defendant's child was present in the home where the drugs were found.

The Court imposed suspended prison sentences for a total term of not to exceed 20 years. The defendant was placed on supervised probation for three years and ordered to make restitution for funds expended during the controlled transactions.

VILLARREAL's mugshot:




Friday, September 22, 2017

Prison sentence for felon in possession of firearm

Today, September 22, 2017, in Muscatine County District Court:

ANTHONY GREEN, 27, of Muscatine was sentenced after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that GREEN was found in possession of a handgun. GREEN had previously been convicted of a drug trafficking felony.

The Court imposed a prison sentence of a term not to exceed five years. The Court also sentenced GREEN for an unrelated case where he had been operating a motor vehicle while his privilege to do so was barred and for probation violation in a case where he had been sentenced for harassment.

GREEN's mugshot:




Also occurring today:

NEIL RON BAZAN JR., 20, of Muscatine, pleaded guilty to going armed with intent. Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that BAZAN had fired a rifle during a confrontation involving several other people. The incident occurred on July 28, 2017, in the 400 block of West 3rd Street. No one was injured during the incident.

BAZAN will be sentenced November 3, 2017, at 9:00 a.m.

BAZAN's mugshot:


BRANDON LEE EDWIN SIMMONS, 19, of Muscatine, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse in the third degree. Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that he had sexual intercourse with a 15 year old female. At the time SIMMONS was four years and three months older. SIMMONS will be sentenced November 3, 2017, at 9:15 a.m.

SIMMONS's mugshot:


Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Guilty plea to sexual abuse and weapons charges

Today, August 15, 2017, in Muscatine County District Court ALEJANDRO ANTONIO FLORES, 20, of Muscatine, pleaded guilty in two separate cases. In the first case he pleaded guilty to sexual abuse in the third degree, a class "C" felony. In the second case he pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon, a class "D" felony. The total possible punishment in the two cases would be imprisonment for a term not to exceed 15 years.

Both cases were investigated by the Muscatine Police Department. Investigation showed that FLORES performed a sex act with a person who was under the age of 16. In another case an investigation showed that he was in possession of a shotgun which had an illegally-shortened barrel.

FLORES will be sentenced September 29, 2017, at 9:00 a.m.

FLORES's mugshot:




Sunday, July 30, 2017

Arrest made following shooting and standoff

Muscatine County Attorney Alan R. Ostergren announced that MARIO PERALES, of 2015 Schiller Street, Muscatine was arrested July 30, 2017, after an incident at his residence.

Muscatine Police Department officers responded to a 911 call placed at 6:04 p.m. reporting that there had been a shooting at the residence and that there was a male subject who had been shot. Officers immediately approached the residence and pulled the victim to safety. He was transported to Trinity Muscatine and then transferred to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. The victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds. No further information is available at this time regarding his condition.

Police officers established a perimeter and attempted to make contact with PERALES whom they suspected was inside the residence. After attempts to contact PERALES were unsuccessful, officers introduced chemical irritants into the residence. PERALES then surrendered to officers. One Muscatine Police Officer suffered a minor injury while breaching the residence. The Special Response Teams of both the Muscatine Police Department and the Muscatine County Sheriff's Department participated in the action.

PERALES has been charged with attempt to commit murder, a class "B" felony punishable by imprisonment for a term not to exceed 25 years and interference with official acts while armed with a dangerous weapon, a class "D" felony punishable by imprisonment for a term not to exceed five years. He will be held without bond in the Muscatine County Jail pending an initial appearance on July 31, 2017, at 9:00 a.m.

The charges against PERALES are merely an accusation and he is presumed to be innocent of the charges.

UPDATED JULY 31, 2017, 9:45 a.m.:

PERALES made his initial appearance this morning. Bond was set at $500,000 cash only. The Court scheduled a preliminary hearing for August 10, 2017, at 9:00 a.m. A preliminary hearing requires the prosecution to establish that probable cause exists to believe that a crime was committed by the defendant. In lieu of making such a showing, the prosecution may file a trial information. If the Court finds based on the written evidence attached to the trial information that there is sufficient probable cause the Court will set the matter for arraignment.

PERALES's mugshot:


Friday, July 28, 2017

Atalissa man sentenced for burglary, theft, and failure to appear

Today, July 28, 2017, in Muscatine County District Court:

STEVEN ROSS MCINTIRE, 31, of Atalissa was sentenced after pleading guilty to two counts of burglary in the third degree, one count of theft in the second degree, and one count of failure to appear.

The Court imposed a total prison sentence of not to exceed 10 years. The Court also ordered the defendant to make victim restitution.

Investigation by the Muscatine County Sheriff's Office showed that McIntire committed two separate machine shed burglaries. He pleaded guilty to those offenses and to felony theft and was free on bond when he failed to appear in court for sentencing.

MCINTIRE's mugshot:


In other matters:

DAYTON EARL MICHAEL ELLIOTT, 22, of Muscatine was sentenced after pleading guilty to possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, drug tax stamp violation, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Investigation by the Muscatine County Drug Task Force showed that ELLIOTT had been in possession of a distribution quantity of marijuana without a required drug tax stamp on it. He also was in possession of a personal use quantity of methamphetamine and a firearm. ELLIOTT had been adjudicated delinquent for the offense of carrying weapons, to wit: a firearm.

The Court suspended a total prison sentence of not to exceed 16 years and ordered the defendant to successfully complete the program at the Residential Correctional Facility in Davenport as a condition of probation.

ELLIOTT's mugshot:




RODNEY CARL KOENIG, JR., 36, of Muscatine was sentenced after pleading guilty to child endangerment causing bodily injury. Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department and the Iowa Department of Human Services showed that KOENIG had physically injured a two-year-old boy left in his care. The Court suspended a prison sentence of not to exceed five years and ordered the defendant to successfully complete the program at the Residential Correctional Facility in Davenport as a condition of probation.

KOENIG's mugshot:





Friday, July 14, 2017

Prison sentence for shooting into house

Today, July 14, 2017, in Muscatine County District Court MARCO IMANUEL MARTINEZ, 18, of Muscatine, was sentenced after being found guilty at a jury trial of criminal mischief in the second degree. Evidence at trial showed that MARTINEZ had fired a handgun into a residence in rural Muscatine County from a moving automobile. One bullet passed through the master bedroom of the residence. No one was injured during the incident.

The Court cited the nature of the offense conduct in imposing a prison sentence for a term of not to exceed five years. MARTINEZ remains in the Muscatine County Jail awaiting disposition of other charges before he begins serving his prison sentence.

The case was investigated by the Muscatine County Sheriff's Office and the Muscatine Police Department.

Friday, July 7, 2017

Stabbing results in prison sentence

Today, July 7, 2017, in Muscatine County District Court PATRICK ROBERT JOHNSON, 41, of Muscatine was sentenced after pleading guilty to willful injury as a habitual offender. The Court imposed a prison sentence for a term not to exceed 15 years. Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that JOHNSON stabbed an adult male in the chest.

JOHNSON's mugshot:


Also today, the Court sentenced ANTHONY AVALON DRAYTON, 25, of Washington, Iowa in two separate cases. In the first case DRAYTON had pleaded guilty to sexual abuse in the third degree. Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that DRAYTON had sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old child.

 In the second case DRAYTON had pleaded guilty to theft in the second degree. Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that he had been in possession of property which had been stolen in a burglary.

The Court imposed concurrent prison sentences for a total term of not to exceed ten years. In addition the Court imposed a special sentence of correctional supervision as if on parole for the remainder of DRAYTON's life. He will also be required to register as a sex offender and is prohibited from having contact with the victim.

DRAYTON's mugshot:



Friday, June 30, 2017

Prison sentence for theft and willful injury

Today, June 30, 2017, in Muscatine County District Court SONNY RAY BOYCE, 22, of Carrollton, Georgia, was sentenced after pleading guilty to theft in the first degree and willful injury causing bodily injury. The Court imposed concurrent prison sentences for a total term of incarceration of not to exceed 10 years.

Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that BOYCE had taken a wallet containing U.S. Currency from the victim during an altercation at the Muscatine Wal-Mart. The victim received knife wounds during the struggle.

BOYCE's mugshot:


Friday, June 23, 2017

Sexual abuse of children results in prison sentences for two defendants

Today, June 23, 2017, in Muscatine County District Court:

MARTIN EDUARDO GUERRERO, 43, of Muscatine, was sentenced after being found guilty of sexual abuse in the third degree at a bench trial. The court imposed a prison sentence of a term not to exceed 10 years followed by supervised release as if on parole for the remainder of the defendant's life. The defendant will also have to register as a sex offender.

Trial testimony showed that the defendant performed a sex act against a twelve-year-old child. The case was investigated by the Muscatine Police Department.

GUERRERO is subject to a detainer from the U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He will likely be removed from the United States following completion of his prison sentence.

GUERRERO's mugshot:


DENIS EDILBERTO LOPEZ-HERNANDEZ, 33, of Iowa City, was sentenced after pleading guilty to sexual abuse in the third degree. The court imposed a prison sentence of a term not to exceed 10 years followed by supervised release as if on parole for the remainder of the defendant's life. The defendant will also have to register as a sex offender. Investigation by the West Liberty Police Department and Iowa City Police Department showed that LOPEZ-HERNANDEZ performed a sex act with a fifteen-year-old child.

LOPEZ-HERNANDEZ is subject to a detainer from the U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He will likely be removed from the United States following completion of his prison sentence.

LOPEZ-HERNANDEZ's mugshot:



Also in district court today:

BRADLEY VERNON HONTS, 34, of Muscatine, pleaded guilty to election misconduct in the first degree, a class "D" punishable by imprisonment for a term not to exceed five years. Investigation by the Muscatine County Sheriff showed that HONTS, a previously convicted felon, voted in the 2016 general election despite being ineligible to do so. The court scheduled sentencing for August 11, 2017, at 9:00 a.m.

HONTS's mugshot:



Friday, June 9, 2017

Prison sentence for domestic abuse strangulation

Today, June 9, 2017, in Muscatine County District Court, JONATHAN BEJARANO-MORENO, 27, of West Liberty, was sentenced after pleading guilty to domestic abuse assault by strangulation, resulting in bodily injury. The defendant also pleaded guilty to harassment in the first degree and possession of a controlled substance, to wit: cocaine. The Court imposed concurrent prison sentences of not to exceed five years, two years, and one year respectively.

Investigation by the Muscatine County Sheriff's Office showed that BEJARANO-MORENO assaulted his victim in the early morning hours of December 10, 2016. The assault included putting pressure on the victim's neck causing the victim to have difficulty breathing and become dizzy. BEJARANO-MORENO also threatened to kill the victim. In a separate incident, BEJARANO-MORENO was found to be in possession of a personal-use quantity of cocaine.

BEJARANO-MORENO was taken into custody immediately after the sentencing hearing.

BEJARANO-MORENO's mugshot:


Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Muscatine man convicted of criminal mischief after jury trial

Today, June 6, 2017, a Muscatine County jury found MARCO IMANUEL MARTINEZ, 18, of Muscatine, guilty of criminal mischief in the second degree. The jury trial began yesterday, June 5, 2017. The charge is a class "D" felony punishable by imprisonment for a term not to exceed five years.

Evidence at trial showed that MARTINEZ fired a .22 caliber handgun at a residence located in rural Muscatine County in the early morning hours of February 13, 2017. The residence was struck several times by the bullets with one bullet narrowly missing one of the homeowners.

"I would like to compliment the efforts of law enforcement in investigating this case," said Muscatine County Attorney Alan R. Ostergren. "Both the Muscatine County Sheriff's Office and the Muscatine Police Department worked together closely to make arrests and protect the community," he added. County Attorney Ostergren prosecuted the case at the jury trial.

MARTINEZ remains in the Muscatine County Jail while awaiting sentencing on July 14, 2017, at 9:00 a.m.

MARTINEZ's mugshot:


Thursday, May 25, 2017

Man pleads guilty in stabbing incident

Today, May 25, 2017, PATRICK ROBERT JOHNSON, 41, of Muscatine pleaded guilty to willful injury as a habitual offender. Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that on March 8, 2017, JOHNSON stabbed another individual in the upper torso. The victim suffered a chest wound and received emergency treatment for the injury.

JOHNSON faces a possible prison sentence of not to exceed 15 years when he is sentenced on July 7, 2017, at 9:15 a.m.

JOHNSON's mugshot:


Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Guilty plea to sexual abuse and theft

Today, May 23, 2017, in Muscatine County District Court, ANTHONY AVALON DRAYTON, 25, of Washington, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse in the third degree and theft in the second degree.

The prosecution of DRAYTON was the result of two unrelated investigations by the Muscatine Police Department. In one investigation, officers determined that DRAYTON had sexual intercourse with an underage individual. In the other investigation officers determined that DRAYTON had taken possession of property which he knew to be stolen. The property was valued in excess of $1,000.

DRAYTON will be sentenced July 7, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. He remains in custody in the Muscatine County Jail.

DRAYTON's mugshot:


Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Guilty plea to theft and willful injury

Today, May 16, 2017, in Muscatine County District Court, SONNY RAY BOYCE, 22, of Carrollton, Georgia, pleaded guilty to theft in the first degree and willful injury. Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department revealed that BOYCE had taken a wallet containing U.S. Currency from the victim while at the Muscatine Wal-Mart on March 2, 2017. In the course of the struggle over the wallet BOYCE injured the victim with a knife.

BOYCE remains in the Muscatine County Jail pending a sentencing hearing on June 30, 2017, at 9:00 a.m.

BOYCE's mugshot:


Monday, May 15, 2017

Prison sentence for domestic abuse

On Friday, May 12, 2017, in Muscatine County District Court:

BRANDON WILKERSON, 18, of LeClaire, Iowa, was sentenced after pleading guilty to domestic abuse assault and theft in the third degree. Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that he had strangled his pregnant girlfriend and that in an unrelated matter had taken a motorcycle from a nearby residence.

The Court imposed concurrent prison sentences of not to exceed five years for domestic abuse assault and two years for theft. The Court also entered a no-contact order protecting the victim.

WILKERSON's mugshot:


Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Muscatine man found guilty of sexual abuse of child

Today, April 25, 2017, Muscatine County District Court Judge Mary Howes found MARTIN GUERRERO guilty of sexual abuse in the third degree after a bench trial.

The evidence established that GUERRERO, 43, of Muscatine, touched the genitals of a 12-year-old child. The case was investigated by the Muscatine Police Department. The case was prosecuted by County Attorney Alan R. Ostergren.

GUERRERO was taken into custody after the verdict. He is being held in the Muscatine County Jail without bond until his sentencing date of June 9, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.

GUERRERO's mugshot:


In other matters:

GARY WAYNE RANKIN, 65, of Davenport, Iowa pleaded guilty to three counts of felon in possession of a firearm. Investigation by the Muscatine County Sheriff's Office determined that RANKIN had two shotguns and a rifle at his former residence in Atalissa. RANKIN's criminal history includes felony convictions for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, third offense and burglary. RANKIN will be sentenced June 9, 2017, at 10:15 a.m.

RANKIN's mugshot:


Friday, April 7, 2017

Prison sentence for drug trafficking

Today, April 7, 2017, in Muscatine County District Court:

PATRICK WILLIAM BURNS, 42, of Grandview, was sentenced for the offense of delivery of a controlled substance as a habitual offender. Investigation by the Muscatine County Sheriff's Office showed that BURNS had delivered approximately three grams of methamphetamine to another individual. The Court imposed a prison sentence for a term not to exceed 15 years with a three-year mandatory minimum sentence.

BURNS's mugshot:

In other cases:

ROBERT LOUIS WOLFE, 34, of Muscatine, was sentenced for two counts of burglary in the third degree. Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that he had broken into two separate storage sheds with the intent to commit a theft. The Court imposed consecutive prison sentences for a total term of not to exceed 10 years.

WOLFE's mugshot:


BRYCE FRANCIS, 19, of Muscatine, was found to have violated the terms of his probation for the offenses of possession of a firearm as a person adjudicated delinquent for a felony and possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver. FRANCIS had absconded from probation supervision for approximately five months. The Court imposed the previously suspended sentence of imprisonment for a term not to exceed 10 years.

FRANCIS's mugshot:

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Guilty plea in drive-by shooting; update on other cases

Today, April 4, 2017, in Muscatine County District Court, BENITO MARTINEZ, 21, of Milwaukee, WI, pleaded guilty to intimidation with a dangerous weapon, going armed with intent, and criminal mischief in the third degree in connection with a shooting on October 30, 2016. Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that MARTINEZ fired a pistol at an occupied residence on King Avenue. MARTINEZ's gunfire also struck a second house nearby.

The first two offenses are class "D" felonies punishable by imprisonment for a term not to exceed five years. Criminal mischief is an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for a term not to exceed two years.

MARTINEZ will be sentenced May 19, 2017, at 9:00 a.m.

MARTINEZ's mugshot:


In addition, Muscatine County Attorney provided the following update on several pending cases involving serious crimes of violence:

PATRICK ROBERT JOHNSON, 41, of Muscatine charged with attempt to commit murder and willful injury, both as a habitual offender. JOHNSON remains held in the Muscatine County Jail on $500,000 bond. Next court date is a pretrial conference set for April 21, 2017.

NOAH WYATT HASS, 16, of Fairfield, IA charged with attempt to commit murder, robbery in the first degree, felon in possession of a firearm, and assault while participating in a felony. HASS remains held in the Muscatine County Jail on a $500,000  bond. Next court date is a pretrial conference set for April 21, 2017.

SONNY BOYCE, 22, of Carrollton, GA charged with robbery in the first degree and theft in the fourth degree. BOYCE remains held in the Muscatine County Jail on a $300,000 bond. Next court date is a pretrial conference set for April 14, 2017.

JUSTIN LEE DEWITT, 37, of North Liberty, IA charged with three counts of attempt to commit murder. DEWITT remains in the Muscatine County Jail on a $750,000 bond. Next court date is a status conference set for April 14, 2017.

JUAN GOMEZ, JR., 39, of Muscatine, charged with attempt to commit murder, going armed with intent, felon in possession of a firearm, assault while participating in a felony, and assault with a dangerous weapon; all as a habitual offender. GOMEZ remains in the Muscatine County Jail on a $250,000 bond. Next court date is a final pretrial conference set for May 19, 2017.

This post was updated 4/5/2017 to correct King Street to King Avenue as well as to add the information about the Gomez case.

Friday, January 27, 2017

Prison sentence for drug trafficking and theft for Muscatine County man

Today, January 27, 2017, in Muscatine County District Court:

TERRY LEE RAYMOND, 52, of rural Muscatine County was sentenced for the offenses of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, drug tax stamp violation, and two counts of theft in the second degree. Each offense is a class "D" felony. The court imposed consecutive prison sentences for a total term of not to exceed 20 years.

Investigation by the Muscatine County Drug Task Force revealed that RAYMOND was in possession of approximately 12 ounces of marijuana and numerous items of stolen property at his residence in rural Muscatine County. RAYMOND had prior felony convictions for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and possession of a controlled substance.

RAYMOND's mugshot:


In other matters:

STEPHEN STERNER, 27, of Muscatine, was sentenced for possession of a firearm as a felon and possession of a controlled substance, third offense. The court imposed concurrent prison sentences for a total term of not to exceed five years. Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department revealed that STERNER had been in possession of a pistol, marijuana, and cocaine. STERNER had previously been convicted of a felony offense.

STERNER's mugshot:





Thursday, January 26, 2017

Guilty plea to assault with intent to commit sexual abuse

Muscatine County Attorney Alan R. Ostergren announced today that JOHN PAUL HUME, 38, of West Liberty pleaded guilty to the offense of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, causing bodily injury. The offense is a class "D" forcible felony. HUME also admitted violating the terms of probation in two separate cases. HUME was on probation for the offenses of burglary in the third degree and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, second offense.

The arrest of HUME was the result of an investigation by the West Liberty Police Department. He will be sentenced March 10, 2017, at 9:15 a.m.

HUME's mugshot:

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Guilty verdict for sex offender registration violation

Muscatine County Attorney Alan R. Ostergren announced today that a Muscatine County jury found JUAN GOMEZ, JR. guilty of a violation of Iowa sex offender registry requirements. The jury determined that GOMEZ had failed to update his registration information concerning his residence. The trial began Monday, January 23, 2017. The jury deliberated for approximately three hours.

"I would like to thank the jury for their service and this verdict," said Ostergren. "I would also like to compliment the work of the Muscatine County Sheriff's Office and Det. Kenny Hora in particular for this investigation. The defendant has a lengthy history of criminal convictions for felony offenses, many for crimes of violence. I am pleased that we have been able to hold him accountable for his registry violation," Ostergren added.

GOMEZ will be sentenced March 24, 2017, at 9:00 a.m. He faces a maximum sentence of incarceration for a term not to exceed two years and a fine of $6,250.

GOMEZ's booking photo:


Friday, January 6, 2017

Prison sentence for Muscatine man injured in officer-involved shooting

Today, January 6, 2017, TIMOTHY WILLIAM SEEFELDT, of Muscatine was sentenced for the offenses of theft in the first degree and two counts of interference with official acts while armed with a dangerous weapon. The court imposed concurrent prison sentences for a total term of not to exceed ten years.

SEEFELDT was involved in an incident on January 15, 2016, where he was shot by a Muscatine County Sheriff's Deputy after attempting to flee from the location of a traffic stop. SEEFELDT backed up his vehicle and nearly struck the deputy and a Muscatine Police Officer. SEEFELDT received a non-life-threatening injury. Muscatine County Attorney Alan R. Ostergren later determined that the deputy's actions were justified and lawful. Muscatine County Sheriff C.J. Ryan determined that the deputy's actions were consistent with departmental policies.

SEEFELDT's mugshot: