Guilty plea in cemetery thefts

Today, December 12, 2018, in Muscatine County District Court THOMAS EDGAR THORNBURG, 44, of Muscatine, pleaded guilty to theft in the first degree, theft in the second degree, and theft in the fourth degree. Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that THORNBURG stole brass memorial vases from numerous area cemeteries, passed checks on a closed account, and pawned stolen merchandise. He will be sentenced February 8, 2019, at 9:45 a.m.

THORNBURG's mugshot:

In another case, LUCAS LEE WETZEL, 23, of Muscatine, pleaded guilty to two counts of delivery of methamphetamine. During an investigation by the Muscatine County Drug Task Force WETZEL made two deliveries of methamphetamine to a confidential source. WETZEL proceeded to immediate sentencing and received a total sentence of a term not to exceed 35 years.

WETZEL's mugshot:

Muscatine man arrested for first degree murder (Updated)

Muscatine County Attorney Alan R. Ostergren announced today (December 12, 2018) that DARIAN DREW LENSGRAF, 19, of Muscatine was arrested for the offense of murder in the first degree from an incident in the early morning hours of December 12 in the City of Muscatine.

The Muscatine County Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM) received a 911 call at 3:33 a.m. reporting that a woman had been found stabbed to death at 2109 Breese Avenue in Muscatine. Officers and Muscatine Fire Department personnel immediately responded to the scene.

At 3:49 a.m. MUSCOM received a second 911 call from a clerk at a convenience store located at 709 Grandview Avenue in Muscatine. The caller reported that there was a male subject at the store holding a bloody knife. Officers immediately responded to that scene and made contact with DARIAN LENSGRAF. According to the criminal complaint DARIAN LENSGRAF made post-Miranda statements that he took the knife to the victim's house with the intent to kill the victim.

DARIAN LENSGRAF has been taken into custody. He will make an initial appearance at the Muscatine County Courthouse at 9:00 a.m. today.

UPDATE 10:43 a.m.:

DARIAN LENSGRAF made an initial appearance this morning before the Hon. Gary Strausser. The Court set bond at $5,000,000 cash-only. The Court scheduled a preliminary hearing for December 21, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. Under Iowa law the prosecution may file a trial information before the date set for preliminary hearing and if this is done there will be no preliminary hearing.

The victim of this incident has been identified by law enforcement as Diana Lensgraf (DOB: 12/12/1952). Diana Lensgraf was Darian's grandmother.

A mugshot of the defendant from today is not yet available. This is a mugshot from a prior occasion:

Today's mugshot:

North Liberty man convicted of three counts of attempt to commit murder

Today, December 11, 2018, in Muscatine County District Court a jury found JUSTIN LEE DEWITT, 38, formerly of North Liberty, guilty of three counts of attempt to commit murder. The trial began yesterday, December 10, 2018. The jury deliberated for approximately 12 minutes before returning a verdict of guilty on all charges.

The arrest of DEWITT was the result of an investigation conducted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement - both divisions of the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Evidence introduced at trial showed that DEWITT had been an inmate in the Muscatine County Jail after having been arrested in Johnson County, Iowa for seeking to arrange the murder of four individuals including two children. While an inmate DEWITT solicited another inmate to make arrangements to have three witnesses in his Johnson County case killed in order to prevent them from testifying. That other inmate reported the information to authorities who began an investigation.

During the investigation DEWITT spoke on two occasions with an individual whom he believed was an associate of a contract killer. The person was in fact an undercover Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement special agent. The conversations occurred over the Muscatine County Jail's video visitation system. During the recorded conversations DEWITT identified the three people he wanted to be killed, identified the residence of two of the individuals and the motor vehicle of the third, and discussed the financial arrangements for the killings. DEWITT later made a phone call to an unwitting party seeking to have a down payment made for the killings. There was no evidence that the person DEWITT contacted was aware of the actual purpose for the payment of money which DEWITT sought. DEWITT also mailed the undercover agent a diagram of the residence of two of the individual he sought to have killed.

Attempt to commit murder is a class "B" felony punishable by imprisonment for a term not to exceed 25 years. There is a mandatory minimum term of 17.5 years before parole eligibility. It will be up to the sentencing judge to determine whether the counts will be served concurrently or consecutively with each other and with the sentence DEWITT has already received in Johnson County. DEWITT was previously sentenced to a total term of not to exceed 35 years with a 17.5 year mandatory minimum for his conduct in the original case.

"I would like to thank the jury for their efforts in this case" Muscatine County Attorney Alan Ostergren stated. "This verdict was justice served. I would also like to compliment the special agents who investigated the case. They gave me the evidence I needed to make a compelling presentation to the jury," Ostergren added.

DEWITT will be sentenced January 18, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. He will be held in the Muscatine County Jail without bond pending sentencing.

DEWITT's mugshot:

Guilty plea to firearm and drug charges

Today, October 12, 2018, in Muscatine County District Court ETHAN KIELY, 22, of Muscatine, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, trafficking a stolen firearm, and delivery of cocaine. The charges against KIELY were the result of an investigation by Street Crimes Unit detectives of the Muscatine Police Department which showed that he was in possession of a stolen handgun and cocaine. KIELY is a previously convicted felon. KIELY will be sentenced on November 30, 2018, at 9:00 a.m.

KIELY's mugshot:

In another case, JARIN DAVID GENUNG, 29, of Muscatine, pleaded guilty to possession of LSD with intent to deliver, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, and child endangerment. The charges against GENUNG were the result of an investigation by the Muscatine County Drug Task Force where a search warrant was executed at GENUNG's residence. The search revealed distribution quantities of both LSD and marijuana. There were two minor children present in the residence where the drug trafficking activity was taking place. GENUNG will be sentenced December 7, 2018, at 9:45 a.m.

GENUNG's mugshot:

Wapello man pleads guilty to methamphetamine trafficking

Sept. 25, 2018 in Muscatine County District Court:

JEFFREY BRIAN CHAPMAN, 35, of Wapello pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver. One count was a class "B" felony punishable by imprisonment for a term not to exceed 25 years. The other count was a class "C" felony punishable by imprisonment for a term not to exceed 10 years. Investigation by the Muscatine County Sheriff's Office and the Muscatine County Drug Task Force revealed that CHAPMAN had been in possession of a distribution quantity of methamphetamine on two separate occasions.

CHAPMAN will be sentenced November 2, 2018, at 9:15 a.m.

CHAPMAN's mugshot:

Man sentenced to prison for repeated domestic abuse incidents

Today, September 14, 2018, in Muscatine County District Court, JEREMY RICHARD MUNSON, 41, of Muscatine, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two counts of domestic abuse by strangulation causing injury and one count of assault causing injury. The charges related to separate incidents involving the same victim. Each investigation was conducted by the Muscatine Police Department.

The defendant was sentenced to consecutive sentences of imprisonment for a total term of not to exceed 11 years. He was also ordered to not have contact with the victim.

MUNSON's mugshot:

Prison sentence in stabbing incident

Today, August 22, 2018, in Muscatine County District Court RONALD VESTER JOHNSON, 40, of Muscatine was sentenced after pleading guilty to willful injury. An investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that JOHNSON had assisted his brother Patrick Johnson in the assault and stabbing of another individual. That individual suffered a deep stab wound to the chest. Patrick Johnson was previously sentenced to a prison term of not to exceed 15 years for his involvement in the attack.

RONALD JOHNSON was sentenced to an indeterminate term of not to exceed five years and ordered to pay a fine of $750. He was further ordered to have no contact with the victim. He will be transported back to the Illinois Department of Corrections to complete serving a sentence for methamphetamine manufacturing before he begins serving his Iowa sentence.

RONALD JOHNSON' mugshot:

Walcott woman pleads guilty to firearm and theft charges

Today, August 21, 2018, in Muscatine County District Court MELISSA ANN CASSIDY, 35, of Walcott, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm as a habitual offender and theft in the third degree. The investigation of CASSIDY was conducted by the Wilton Police Department, Walcott Police Department, and the Muscatine County Sheriff's Office. The investigation revealed that CASSIDY had stolen a firearm. CASSIDY had previously been convicted of several drug-related felony offenses. CASSIDY will be sentenced October 19, 2018, at 9:15 a.m.

CASSIDY's mugshot:

Additional arrests made in investigation of thefts of cemetery vases

Today, August 16, 2018, Muscatine County Attorney Alan R. Ostergren announced that two additional individuals have been arrested in connection with an investigation into the theft of brass vases from cemeteries in Muscatine and the surrounding area. Charges were filed against JUSTIN LYLE WINTER, 44, and LYLE EVERETT WINTER, 70. Both men are charged with theft in the first  degree and ongoing criminal conduct. The charges are a class “C” felony and class “B” felony respectively.

The criminal complaints allege that both men, acting as the operators of Muscatine Metals, knowingly accepted brass cemetery vases while knowing that they were stolen property. The criminal complaints further allege that the men engaged in 25 transactions where they purchased stolen property.

The arrests of both men were the result of an investigation by the Muscatine Police Department. One individual had already been charged as a result of the investigation. As with any criminal charge, the charges against these individuals are merely accusations. They are presumed innocent unless and until convicted in court.

Prison sentence for shooting; guilty plea in robbery

Today, August 3, 2018, in Muscatine County District Court:

EMMANUEL HOWARD, 18, of Davenport, Iowa was sentenced after pleading guilty to intimidation with a dangerous weapon. Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that HOWARD fired a gun at an assembly of persons. No one was injured during the incident. The Court imposed a prison sentence for a term not to exceed five years.

HOWARD's mugshot:

Also today, EARL NATHANUAL WOOTEN, IV, 25 of Muscatine pleaded guilty to theft in the first degree, theft in the second degree, two counts of theft in the third degree, and criminal mischief in the fourth degree. Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department and Muscatine County Sheriff's Office revealed that WOOTEN smashed a display case at the Muscatine WalMart where he took several pellet guns. WOOTEN then traveled to the Kum & Go store on Park Avenue in Muscatine where he brandished one of the pellet guns at a clerk. WOOTEN took cash from the register and escaped on foot. Further investigation showed that WOOTEN was in possession of a stolen motor vehicle throughout the incident. He will be sentenced September 28, 2018 at 9:15 a.m.

WOOTEN's mugshot:

Guilty plea in stabbing incident

Today, July 9, 2018, in Muscatine County District Court:

RONALD VESTER JOHNSON, 40, of Muscatine pleaded guilty to willful injury in connection with the March 8, 2017, stabbing of an individual in Muscatine. JOHNSON'S brother, Patrick Johnson, had previously pleaded guilty in connection with the incident and was sentenced to a term of imprisonment. RONALD JOHNSON was arrested in the State of Illinois shortly after the Muscatine incident and could not be prosecuted here until his Illinois charges were resolved.

The prosecution of both defendants was the result of an investigation by the Muscatine Police Department. The investigation revealed that Patrick Johnson stabbed an individual in front of the AmericInn Hotel in Muscatine. The victim suffered a stab wound to the upper chest and has since made a full recovery. The investigation revealed that Ronald Johnson participated in the attack by kicking at the victim.

Sentencing will be held August 24, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. Johnson will remain in custody pending sentencing. After being sentenced in Iowa he will be transported back to the Illinois Department of Corrections to complete his sentence there.

Ronald Johnson's mugshot:

Habitual offender sent to prison for theft

Today, June 25, 2018, in Muscatine County District Court:

STEVEN LEROY ADCOCK, 47, of Muscatine pleaded guilty to theft in the second degree as a habitual offender. Investigation by the Muscatine County Sheriff's Office showed that ADCOCK had been in possession of stolen property valued in excess of $1,000. ADCOCK has a lengthy criminal history including felony convictions for theft, burglary, and eluding law enforcement officers. ADCOCK waived his right to a delay in sentencing and was sentenced to a indeterminate term of not to exceed 15 years. The sentence will be served consecutively to a parole violation.

ADCOCK's mugshot:

Conspiracy to distribute cocaine results in prison sentence for three codefendants

Friday, June 1, 2018, in Muscatine County District Court:

JAVIER LOPEZ, 52, of West Liberty, JOEL RODRIGUEZ RIOS, 37, of West Liberty, and DANIEL CANCINO, 24, of Muscatine were sentenced after pleading guilty for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine. RIOS and CANCINO each received a sentence of imprisonment for a term not to exceed 25 years. LOPEZ received a sentence of not to exceed 15 years. The case was investigated by the Muscatine County Drug Task Force.

LOPEZ's mugshot:

RIOS's mugshot:

CANCINO's mugshot:

Today, June 4, 2018, in Muscatine County District Court:

CODY DENEVE, 31, of Moline, pleaded guilty to possession of heroin with intent to deliver as a habitual offender. DENEVE was the driver of a motor vehicle stopped by a Muscatine County Sheriff's Deputy. A search of the vehicle revealed that he was in possession of eight capsules containing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl. DENEVE has two prior drug trafficking felony convictions.

DENEVE's mugshot:

Arrest made in 1992 murder near West Liberty

Today, May 31, 2018, Muscatine County Attorney Alan R. Ostergren announced that an arrest had been made in the October 13, 1992 murder of Corey Wieneke at his residence in rural Muscatine County near the town of West Liberty. After an investigation by the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation a criminal complaint was filed and an arrest warrant issued for ANNETTE DEE CAHILL, age 55, of Tipton, Iowa. CAHILL was arrested today at her residence without incident. A copy of the complaint may be found here.

CAHILL has been charged with murder in the first degree. This offense is a class “A” felony punishable by imprisonment for the remainder of her life without parole. CAHILL is being held in the Muscatine County Jail. The bond on the arrest warrant is set at $ 1,000,000. CAHILL will make her initial appearance tomorrow, June 1, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. before a judge at the Muscatine County Courthouse.

A press conference will be held at the Muscatine County Attorney’s Office at 420 E. Third Street, Muscatine, at 10:30 a.m. on June 1, 2018. County Attorney Ostergren, Muscatine County Sheriff C.J. Ryan, and Iowa DCI Special Agent in Charge Richard Rahn will be in attendance.

The criminal charge is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed to be innocent.

CAHILL's mugshot:

Note: updated 5/31/2018 at 6:10 p.m. to include mugshot and correct spelling of victim's last name. 

Prison sentence for sexual abuse of child

Today, May 31, 2018, CARLOS AUGUSTO RAMIREZ LOPEZ, 40, of Iowa City, was sentenced to an indeterminate term of not to exceed 25 years for the offense of sexual abuse in the second degree. He had been convicted at a jury trial in March, 2018.

The case was investigated by the West Liberty Police Department. The incident occurred in September, 2011. The evidence at trial demonstrated that RAMIREZ LOPEZ performed a sex act against a nine-year-old girl. The case was investigated by the West Liberty Police Department.

The defendant will be required to serve 17.5 years of the sentence before being eligible for parole. He will be on lifetime supervised release as if on parole following the completion of his prison sentence. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

The defendant's mugshot:

In other matters:

JESSIE HILL, 27, of Muscatine, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. On March 14, 2018, Muscatine Police Department officers executed a search warrant at a Muscatine residence seeking to take HILL into custody. HILL had escaped from the work release facility in Davenport, Iowa maintained by the Iowa Department of Correctional Services. During execution of the warrant officers discovered that HILL was in possession of a loaded handgun. HILL was previously convicted of the felony offense of burglary. He will be sentenced July 27, 2018, at 9:45 a.m.

HILL's mugshot:

EMMANUEL HOWARD, 18, of Davenport, pleaded guilty to intimidation with a dangerous weapon. On March 25, 2018, HOWARD fired a handgun at two people standing on an elevated porch at a multi-family residential building. No one was injured by the gunshot. HOWARD was taken into custody shortly thereafter and was found in possession of the firearm. He will be sentenced July 27, 2018, at 9:30 a.m.

HOWARD's mugshot:

Muscatine man convicted of burglary and domestic abuse charges

Muscatine County Attorney Alan R. Ostergren announced today (May 30, 2018) that BRYAN GIOVANNI BEJARANO-MORENO, 24, of Muscatine, was found guilty after a two-day jury trial of burglary in the first degree and domestic abuse assault causing bodily injury.

The evidence at trial showed that BEJARANO broke into the residence of his estranged wife and waited for her to return home. When she did he assaulted her by striking her with his hands, feet, and household objects. Muscatine Police Department officers responded to a welfare check at the residence and interrupted the assault.

BEJARANO will be sentenced July 27, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. He is being held in the Muscatine County Jail without bond awaiting sentencing.

"I would like to thank the work of the Muscatine Police Deparment in investigating this case" said Ostergren. "They intervened to prevent more harm to the victim and provided me with the evidence needed to successfully prosecute this case," Ostergren added. "Finally, I would like to thank the victim who showed great strength during both the assault and in follow through the criminal justice process."

The defendant faces a mandatory sentence of imprisonment for a term not to exceed 25 years on the burglary charge and a one-year sentence on the domestic abuse charge.

BEJARANO's mugshot:

Guilty plea to domestic abuse and firearm charges

Today, May 9, 2018, in Muscatine County District Court:

RAMIRO ISAAC MORALES, 34, of Muscatine pleaded guilty to domestic abuse assault as a second offense and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The Muscatine Police Department responded to an incident on February 25, 2018, where MORALES was observed striking the mother of his two minor children. During subsequent investigation officers located two handguns in a bag that contained an article of mail addressed to MORALES. One of the firearms was determined to be stolen. MORALES was convicted of the felony offense of sexual abuse in the third degree in 2003.

The sentencing of MORALES will be scheduled at a later date. MORALES also admitted that he violated the terms of probation in two prior cases. The plea agreement calls for consecutive sentences for the new offenses and his probation violations for a total term of not to exceed 13.5 years. He remains in the Muscatine County Jail pending sentencing.

His mugshot:

Robbery of pharmacy results in prison sentence

Today, May 7, 2018, in Muscatine County District Court:

MICHAEL JASON WILLIAMS, 30, of Burlington, pleaded guilty to robbery in the second degree as a habitual offender. The charges against him were the result of an investigation by the Wilton Police Department into a December 29, 2017, robbery of a pharmacy in Wilton, Iowa. The defendant took products containing pseudoephedrine and threatened employees with violence in order to escape the scene.

WILLIAMS waived his right to a delay for sentencing and was sentenced to an indeterminate term not to exceed 15 years. He will be required to serve 7.5 years of the sentence before being eligible for parole. His mugshot:

In other recent dispositions:

MATTHEW RAY MASON, 31, of Muscatine pleaded guilty to theft in the second degree. An investigation by the Muscatine Police Department revealed that he was in possession of a stolen motorcycle. He will be sentenced June 29, 2018, at 9:30 a.m.

MASON's mugshot:

GILBERTO DANIEL CASTILLO III, 22, of Muscatine, pleaded guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and delivery of cocaine. The charges were the result of an investigation by the Muscatine County Drug Task Force. He will be sentenced June 29, 2018, at 9:45 a.m.

CASTILLO's mugshot:

County Attorney Appointed to Task Force to Review Rules of Criminal Procedure

April 4, 2018

Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady entered an order yesterday (April 3, 2018) creating and appointing members to the Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure Review Task Force. The task force will be chaired by Associate Justice Edward Mansfield. Muscatine County Attorney Alan R. Ostergren is one of the 17 members of the task force.

The task force's mission is to conduct a comprehensive review of the rules governing criminal cases in Iowa courts. The task force is asked to make recommendations to the Iowa Supreme Court for amending and updating the rules as well as promulgating any new rules that might be needed.

"I am honored to be appointed to this committee by the Chief Justice" said Ostergren. "As a prosecutor I deal with these rules every day. They regulate the process by which we seek to achieve justice for crime victims and the community in general. I look forward to getting to work on this important effort" he continued.

Ostergren is currently serving his second term as Muscatine County Attorney and has been a prosecutor for 20 years. He is a past-president of the Iowa County Attorneys Association and is on the board of directors of the National District Attorneys Association. He serves as co-chair of the NDAA's committee on Legislation, Policy, and Public Relations.

Muscatine County Jury Finds Iowa City Man Guilty of Sexual Abuse

Today, March 28, 2018, a Muscatine County jury returned a guilty verdict against CARLOS AUGUSTO RAMIREZ LOPEZ, 40, of Iowa City, for the offense of sexual abuse in the second degree. The trial began Monday, March 26, 2018. The jury deliberated for less than two hours before returning their verdict.

The case was investigated by the West Liberty Police Department. The incident occurred in September, 2011. The evidence at trial demonstrated that RAMIREZ LOPEZ performed a sex act against a nine-year-old girl.

The defendant faces a mandatory sentence of incarceration for a term not to exceed 25 years. He will be required to serve 17.5 years of the sentence before being eligible for parole. He will be on lifetime supervised release as if on parole following the completion of his prison sentence. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. The defendant is being held without bond in the Muscatine County Jail awaiting a sentencing hearing on May 4, 2018, at 9:00 a.m.

"I would like to thank the jury for their service in this case" said Muscatine County Attorney Alan R. Ostergren, who prosecuted the case. "I would also like to thank West Liberty Police Department Capt. Michael Meier in particular for his work on the investigation" he added.

The defendant's mugshot:

Prison sentence for sexual abuse of child

Today, March 9, 2018, in Muscatine County District Court:

BRADLEY ALEXANDER GRIFFIN, 38, of Clinton, Indiana was sentenced after pleading guilty to two counts of lascivious acts with a child. An investigation by the Muscatine County Sheriff's Office showed that GRIFFIN had sexually touched a child under the age of 14 and had solicited further sexual touching from the same child. GRIFFIN was sentenced to an indeterminate term of not to exceed 15 years. Upon completion of his prison sentence he will be on supervised release as if on parole for the remainder of his life. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

GRIFFIN's mugshot:

In another matter, RUSTY WAYNE WADDEN, 29, of Atalissa was sentenced after pleading guilty to eluding, driving while barred, and possession of a controlled substance. WADDEN attempted to elude a Muscatine County Sheriff's Office deputy and ultimately crashed his vehicle in the 300 block of Roscoe Avenue in Muscatine. The Court sentenced WADDEN to an indeterminate term of not to exceed seven years.

WADDEN's mugshot:

Muscatine man pleads guilty to sexual abuse

Today, March 2, 2018, in Muscatine County District Court:

OLIVER JOHN VERNE, 45, of Muscatine, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse in the third degree. The charge against him was from an investigation conducted by the Muscatine Police Department. VERNE waived his right to a delay and proceeded immediately to sentencing. The court imposed a prison sentence for a term not to exceed 10 years. In addition he will be on supervised release as if on parole for the remainder of his life when he completes the prison sentence. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

VERNE's mugshot:

Felon pleads guilty to possession of firearm

Today, February 19, 2018, in Muscatine County District Court MATTHEW GORDAN ELAM, 35, of rural Muscatine County, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and aggravated assault. Investigation by the Muscatine County Sheriff's Office showed that on September 23, 2017, ELAM was in possession of a shotgun. He had assaulted another individual by striking him with a firearm. ELAM had been convicted in 2011 of the felony offenses of criminal mischief in the first degree and burglary in the third degree. He will be sentenced March 30, 2018, at 9:00 a.m.

ELAM's mugshot:

Guilty plea to methamphetamine and firearm offenses

On Thursday, February 8, 2018, in Muscatine County District Court:

JEBEDUAH RADO BISHOP, 28, of Muscatine, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver. BISHOP further admitted he was in the immediate possession and control of a firearm during the commission of his offense. Investigation by the Muscatine County Drug Task Force showed that BISHOP was in possession of approximately one ounce of ice methamphetamine. BISHOP was also discovered in possession of a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol. He will be sentenced March 23, 2018, at 9:00 a.m.

BISHOP's mugshot:

In other cases, on Friday, February 9, 2018, in Muscatine County District Court:

ANDREW JAMES DOXSEE, 19, of Muscatine, pleaded guilty to theft in the second degree. Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that DOXSEE had been in possession of stolen firearms. He will be sentenced March 23, 2018, at 9:30 a.m.

DOXSEE's mugshot:

CHASE MORGAN MATHIAS, 21, of Wilton, pleaded guilty to theft in the second degree, leaving the scene of an accident, and driving under suspension. He also admitted violating the terms of his probation in four prior cases where he was on probation for the offense of driving while barred. MATHIAS was sentenced to a total term of not to exceed five years and nine months.

MATHIAS's mugshot:

Prison sentence for methamphetamine offenses

Today, February 1, 2018, in Muscatine County District Court:

ANTHONY VINCENT ETTORE, 52, of Wilton pleaded guilty and was sentenced for the offenses of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver and, from separate incident, possession of methamphetamine and driving while barred. The court imposed concurrent terms of incarceration for a total term of incarceration of not to exceed ten years.

Investigation by the Muscatine County Drug Task Force resulted in the execution of a search warrant at ETTORE's residence. He was found to be in possession of methamphetamine which he intended to distribute. When he was later arrested he was found in possession of methamphetamine for personal use. He also had been arrested for driving while his privilege to do so was barred due to prior violations. ETTORE had a lengthy criminal history for offenses including robbery, burglary, and assault.

ETTORE's mugshot:

Indiana man pleads guilty to lascivious acts with a child

Today, January 26, 2018, in Muscatine County District Court:

BRADLEY ALEXANDER GRIFFIN, 37, of Clinton, Indiana, pleaded guilty to two counts of lascivious acts with a child. Investigation by the Muscatine County Sheriff's Office showed that GRIFFIN had sexual contact with a child under the age of 14. He faces a prison term not to exceed 15 years plus lifetime supervised release as if on parole following completion of his prison term. GRIFFIN had a previous conviction in the state of Indiana for rape. GRIFFIN will be sentenced March 9, 2018, at 9:00 a.m.

GRIFFIN's mugshot:

Also today,

RUSTY WAYNE WADDEN, 29, of Atalissa, pleaded guilty to eluding, driving while barred, and possession of a controlled substance. The charges resulted from a pursuit on November 17, 2017, in both rural Muscatine County and the City of Muscatine. A Muscatine County Sheriff's Deputy was injured during the pursuit. WADDEN will be sentenced March 9, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. WADDEN's mugshot:

Statement of Muscatine County Attorney Alan R. Ostergren regarding possession and sale of products containing cannabinoid oil.

The Muscatine Police Department has received complaints regarding businesses selling products containing cannabinoid oil (also known as CBD). The police department conducted an investigation into these complaints and determined that there were several Muscatine businesses which had been selling CBD products.

The police submitted samples of CBD products seized during their investigation to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation for laboratory analysis. This analysis confirms that the CBD products seized in the investigation are marijuana under Iowa law. It is illegal to possess or distribute them.

The Iowa Legislature has passed a law which allows for certain CBD products for medical purposes. The law instructed the Iowa Department of Public Health (DPH) to develop a regulatory program for CBD products. The DPH has not yet finalized these rules. As a result there are no CBD products currently legally being sold in the State of Iowa. Once the DPH regulations have been promulgated they will only allow CBD products to be sold by licensed dispensaries to patients who have been prescribed CBD by a medical professional for certain identified illnesses or conditions.

The Muscatine County Attorney is aware of an assertion that provisions in the 2014 farm bill passed by Congress legalized CBD products. This is incorrect. The farm bill authorized certain experimental programs involving industrial hemp. The farm bill did not change Iowa law as it pertains to CBD products.

In consultation with the Muscatine Police Department, the Muscatine County Attorney has decided to not file criminal charges against any individuals who were found in possession of CBD products during this investigation. Although the possession was illegal, the County Attorney has decided to use his discretion to not file charges under these circumstances. CBD products seized during the investigation will not be returned.

Persons who are currently in possession of CBD products should promptly and securely destroy them. Persons may also turn them over to the Muscatine Police Department for destruction. Persons wishing to turn CBD products over to the Muscatine Police Department should contact the department at (563) 263-9922 and ask to speak to either Lt. Tony Kies, Capt. Steve Snider, or Off. Whitni Pena.

The Muscatine County Attorney’s decision to not prosecute CBD violations applies only to those currently known to law enforcement. Any potential future violation will be investigated by the appropriate law enforcement agency and evaluated by the Muscatine County Attorney for potential prosecution.