In Greene County magistrate court judgments were entered Sept. 19 in two cases against Christopher Adelbert Laurent of Jefferson. In the earlier case, initiated in March, Laurent was charged with criminal mischief. He was fined $65 with a $22.75 surcharge and a $125 Law Enforcement Initiative surcharge. He must pay $60 victim restitution and $60 court costs.
Read MoreCategory: Law
Thompson trial set for next Monday in Albia
Justice in the case of Patrick Ryan Thompson, 27, of Ames, charged with two counts of first degree murder for allegedly killing former Greene County sixth grader Paige Exline and her cousin, Shakiah Cockerham in a house fire, will be delayed only one week. The trial was moved to Decatur County and began with jury selection Monday. Judge Brad McCall…
Read MoreMistrial declared in murder/arson case
A mistrial has been declared in the Guthrie County district court case accusing Patrick Ryan Thompson, 27, of two counts of first degree murder, two counts of attempted murder and one count of arson. The charges were filed following a fire on May 15, 2017, that killed Melanie “Paige” Exline, 12, and Shakiah Cockerham, 16.
Read MoreMan charged with murder was coming to Jefferson at time of arrest
Had been put on probation four times A former Jefferson resident who is now homeless was planning to return to Jefferson when he was arrested and charged with first degree murder Monday.
Read MoreGreene County district court, week ending Sept. 13
Persons pleaded not guilty in district court as follows: Dale Edward Ganoe, 40, of Jefferson, domestic abuse assault- second offense; and Benito Cervantes Ortiz, 28, of Grand Junction, driving while license barred. Trial dates were set fort Oct. 30 in both cases. A case was initiated against Amanda Jo Goodpaster, 31, of Grand Junction on a charge of domestic abuse…
Read MoreGreene County magistrate court, week ending Sept. 13
In Greene County magistrate court Jeremy Ernest Andrews of Grand Junction was sentenced to three days in jail after he was found guilty at a non-jury trial Sept. 12 of domestic abuse assault. He was placed on informal probation for one year. He was fined $200 with a $70 surcharge; both were suspended. Court costs were $136.27.
Read MoreExline appeals conviction on felony sex abuse charges
James Exline, 46, of Jefferson, who was sentenced last month to up to 75 years in prison after being found guilty by a jury of sex abuse against his 12-year-old daughter, has appealed his conviction to the Iowa supreme court. Exline filed the appeal Aug. 30 on his own behalf. He wrote that he had ineffective representation by his court…
Read MoreGreene County district court, week ending Sept. 6
In Greene County district court a case was initiated Aug. 31 against Steven Craig Smith II, 41, of Jefferson on a charge of driving while license barred.
Read MoreGreene County magistrate court, week ending Sept. 6
In a new case on the magistrate docket, Christopher Adelbert Laurent pleaded guilty Sept. 5 to a charge of disorderly conduct. A judgment was entered for a $100 fine with a $35 surcharge. Court costs were $60.
Read MoreJPD clarifies vape laws
The Jefferson Police Department would like to clear up some misconception about minors and vapor products. Iowa Code 453A.2 reads: 1. A person shall not sell, give, or otherwise supply any tobacco, tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, vapor products, or cigarettes to any person under eighteen years of age.
Read MoreJPD tells results of sTEP
Jefferson police officers made one arrest, wrote 20 citations and issued 154 warnings during a special Traffic Enforcement Project Aug. 17 through Sept. 3. One driver was arrested for operating while intoxicated. Citations were issued as follows: registration violations, five; equipment violations, five; speed, three; driving while license suspended or revoked, three; stop sign/traffic light, one; driving without a license,…
Read MoreGreene County district court, week ending Aug. 30
In Greene County district court on Aug. 24 Jesus Moises Zuniga Jr, 19, of Jefferson was sentenced to five years in prison after he changed his plea to guilty to a charge of conspiracy to deliver marijuana. He was fined $750 with a $262.50 surcharge; both were suspended. He must pay a $125 Law Enforcement Initiative surcharge and a $10…
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