FAIRFIELD, IA (IRN) – An inmate in the Jefferson County Jail escaped custody Tuesday, according to KCII-radio. James Surber Jr. was being held on a charge of 2nd Degree Theft of a Motor Vehicle. After escaping, he traveled to Ottumwa, where he abandoned the vehicle he was driving. Surber had contacted Fairfield police with information about an open case and offered his assistance. The police conducted an operation with Surber, and he used the opportunity to escape.
DES MOINES, IA – Federal authorities have issued search warrants at 20 locations in the Des Moines metro today. The raids are being conducted by the Des Moines Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in association with the ATF, the IRS, ICE, Homeland Security, U.S. Marshal’s, and other agencies. No other details are available.
IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – A February trial has been scheduled for an Iowa woman who authorities say tried to flush her newborn down a toilet and then left it for dead in a trash can. KGAN-TV reports Ashley Hautzenrader has pled not guilty to attempted murder and child endangerment. Her trial is set to begin Feb. 14. Hautzenrader, who lives in Davenport, told authorities she left the baby in the trash because she thought the child had died.
SIOUX CITY, IA (IRN) – A judge has suspended the prison sentence of a Sioux City teenager serving 10 years for selling synthetic marijuana that caused the death of another teen. The Sioux City Journal reports 19-year-old Rose Mouw’s remaining prison term was suspended and she was placed on four years’ probation. Mouw admitted to buying synthetic marijuana in Nebraska, then selling it to 18-year-old Austin McCloud, who died after smoking the drug.
BOONE COUNTY, IA – Protesters rallied in Boone County near the Farm Progress Show against the Bakken pipeline Wednesday. KCCI-TV reports about 20 protesters were arrested on a trespassing charge and taken to the Boone County Jail. They oppose the use of eminent domain for private companies, and say the pipeline will likely harm soil, air, and water quality.
DAVENPORT, IA (IRN) – A Davenport mother is facing criminal charges for not making sure her child gets to school. WQAD-TV reports the woman’s 14-year-old had 35 unexcused absences during the past school year. Iowa law says it’s mandatory for children who are in kindergarten through age of 16 to attend school.
MARSHALLTOWN, IA – A Marshalltown school board member who resigned his post as a prosecutor for Marshall County has pled not guilty to trespassing and theft charges, according to KWWL-TV. Authorities say a co-worker accused Ben Stansberry of stealing her underwear from her home.