Home Maps /Directions Contact
Welcome to the Polk County Attorney Website!
Attorney Main Header
Midland Building
206 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone:
Fax:
Email:
515-286-3737
515-286-3428
ctyatty@polkcountyiowa.gov
Home dividerMBQuick Links dividerMBAbout the County Attorney dividerMBCriminal dividerMBJuvenile dividerMBCivil dividerMBNews dividerMBFAQ dividerMBLinks dividerMBForms dividerMBContact Us
Weekly Case Summary
7/26/2010

On November 16, 2009, Defendant James A. Halsted, entered a plea of guilty to the charge of: Possession of a Controlled Substance Third Offense as alleged in theTrial Information, a Class D Felony, in violation of Iowa Code Section(s) 124.401(5). On July 26, 2010, Defendant James A. Halsted was sentenced to a period of incarceration not to exceed 5 years for the charge of: Possession of a Controlled Substance Third Offense as alleged in the Trial Information, a Class D Felony, in violation of Iowa Code Section(s) 124.401(5). The sentence in this matter was suspended and the defendant was placed on probation for a period of 5 years. The defendant shall be supervised by the Fifth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services. James A. Halsted, was prosecuted by the Polk County Attorney’s Office Drug and Gang Bureau.

On July 26, 2010, a Polk County jury found Jarmaine Allen guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter in Polk County criminal number FE 116104. Allen was indicted by a Polk County Grand Jury in 1997 charging him with Murder in the First Degree for the killing of Jody Stokes in 1995. Allen will be sentenced later. Allen was prosecuted by the Polk County Attorney’s Office Drug and Gang Bureau.

7/27/2010

On June 14th, 2010, Mark Laquin Paige, FECR235758, pled guilty to Failure to Possess a Tax Stamp, as alleged in Count II of the Trial Information, in violation of Iowa Code Sections 453B.3 and 453B.12, a Class D Felony. On July 27th, 2010, he came before the Court for sentencing and received a deferred judgment and probation with the applicable $750.00 civil penalty. This case was prosecuted by the Polk County Attorney’s Office Drug and Gang Bureau.

On June 4th, 2010, Juan Paula Cordero, FECR235526, pled guilty to Delivery of a Controlled Substance-marijuana, as alleged in Count I of the Trial Information, in violation of Iowa Code Section 124.401(1)(d), a Class D Felony and Delivery of a Controlled Substance-marijuana, as alleged in Count III of the Trial Information, in violation of Iowa Code Section 124.401(1)(d), a Class D Felony and Failure to Possess a Tax Stamp, as alleged in Count IV of the Trial Information, in violation of Iowa Code Sections 453B.3 and 453B.12, a Class D Felony. On July 27th, 2010, he came before the court for sentencing and received a 5 year suspended sentence and probation on each count. The State of Iowa argued for consecutive sentences of 15 years total. The Court agreed to run each count consecutive to each other for a total period of incarceration not to exceed 15 years. This case was prosecuted by the Polk County Attorney’s Office Drug and Gang Bureau.

On July 27th, 2010, Bernard Dwayne Bowens, FECR237361, pled guilty to Failure to Possess a Tax Stamp, as alleged in Count II of the Trial Information, in violation of Iowa Code Sections 453B.3 and 453B.12 , a Class D Felony. The Defendant waived time and notice, waived the use of a presentence investigation report and waived his right to file a motion in arrest of judgment and requested immediate sentencing. Both parties recommended that the defendant be sentenced to prison for 5 years. In addition, the State recommend that this sentence run consecutive to his parole. The Court sentenced him to prison for 5 years and ran the sentence consecutive to his parole. This case was prosecuted by the Polk County Attorney’s Office Drug and Gang Bureau.

State of Iowa v. Jacob Walter Hanson FECR236496 and FECR238140 On July 27, 2010, the defendant, Jacob Walter Hanson, plead guilty to two unrelated charges. He plead guilty to Unauthorized Use of a Credit Card, an aggravated misdemeanor, which occurred on March 3-4, 2010, when the defendant used a credit card belonging to someone he didn’t know to purchase items that had a value less than $1,000.00. He also plead guilty to Burglary in the Third Degree, a Class D Felony, which occurred on June 9, 2010, when the defendant broke into the Galaxy Coffee Room located in Altoona, Iowa causing damage and taking things from the coffee shop, including $885.00 in cash. The defendant faces two years in prison on the credit card charge and five years in prison on the burglary charge. Sentencing is set for September 29, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. in courtroom 204.

State of Iowa v. Khasif Rasheed White FECR235343, FECR230747 and FECR232323 On July 27, 2010, the defendant in the above-captioned case, Khasif Rasheed White, was sentenced on three counts of Robbery in the Second Degree. The defendant received ten years in prison on each robbery charge. The sentences were ordered to be served concurrently for a total of 10 years. The sentences include a seven year mandatory minimum which will prevent the defendant from being released on parole before the year 2017. The first robbery occurred on August 1, 2009, when the defendant attempted to steal a bottle of alcohol from the Dahl’s Food Store on East Euclid and he assaulted Dahl’s employees in an effort to escape from the scene. The second robbery occurred on October 12, 2009, when the defendant attempted to steal from the Burlington Coat Factory on Merle Hay Road and assaulted Burlington Coat Factory employees when he attempted to escape from the scene. The third robbery occurred on February 20, 2010, when the defendant attempted to take money from a man in his apartment building on Hickman Road. The defendant assaulted the man, but was unsuccessful in getting any money.

7/28/2010

On July 28, 2010, Shawna Christian was arraigned on a charge of Burglary in the Third Degree. Pretrial conference was set for August 26, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. and trial was set for September 15, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.

On July 28, 2010, Melissa Channon appeared for a probation revocation hearing. She presented the court with a “Notice of Full Commitment and Payment Plan” and was discharged from probation.

On July 28, 2010, Linda Klein appeared and entered a plea of guilty to the charge of Fraudulent Practices in the First Degree. Sentencing was set for September 14, 2010.

On July 28, 2010, Peter Kellis plead guilty and was sentenced for the crime of Possession of a Controlled Substance, marijuana, With Intent to Deliver, a Class D felony, in case number FE236988. He was sentenced to a maximum indeterminate term of five (5) years, but this sentence was suspended and he was placed on probation for a term of three (3) years. This defendant was prosecuted by the Polk County Attorney’s Office Drug and Gang Bureau.

Jason R. Clark was arraigned on the charge of Theft 2nd in violation of Iowa Code Section 714.2(2). The defendant entered a plea of not guilty. A pre-trial conference and a trial date were established.

Linda Louise Olson entered pleas of guilty to the charges of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in AGCR236456 and Aggravated Misdemeanor. Ms. Olson pled and was sentenced on that charge. Ms. Olson received 48 days in jail and credit for 48 days served. The defendant will also be required to participate in a VORP. The victim in the case had requested our office not prosecute the case and was satisfied with the outcome. Ms. Olson also pled guilty in FECR236572 to Criminal Mischief 3rd, a lesser included offense. Ms. Olson received a suspended sentence and probation, and was placed on 2 years supervised probation. Ms. Olson is required to pay full restitution and participate in a VORP session. As a condition of her probation, Ms. Olson is to undergo a mental health evaluation and follow through with all recommendations.

Anne Claire Sandblom pled guilty in FECR236405 to 2 counts of Theft 2nd, in violation of Iowa Code Sections 714.1(1) and 714.2(2), both Class D Felonies. A pre-sentence investigation report will be completed and a sentencing date will follow at a later time. Ms. Sandblom will remain in custody until there is a bed available at the Bernie Lorenz Treatment Facility. Ms. Sandblom has already completed primary care at the IRTC at Mt. Pleasant. At the time of sentencing, Ms. Sandblom is free to request a deferred judgment. The state will recommend a suspended sentence and probation or may agree to recommend a deferred judgment if Ms. Sandblom successfully completes her after care portion of her treatment, and remains out of legal trouble between now and the time of sentencing.

Brenda Jones pled guilty to Fraudulent Practice 2nd, in violation of Iowa Code Sections 96.16(1), 714.8(3), 714.8(10), 714.10. Ms. Jones plea was accepted and a sentencing date was set for September 14, 2010. At the time of sentencing, both parties are to recommend a deferred judgment. It should be noted that Ms. Jones had failed to appear at a previous time, and a warrant was issued for her arrest. The warrant was recalled.

7/29/2010

On July 29, 2010, Amber Shipp appeared in Polk County District Court in Polk County criminal number FE 236077. Shipp earlier pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Manufacture a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine). Shipp completed an in-patient substance abuse program prior to sentencing. Shipp was granted a 10 year suspended prison sentence and placed on probation for two years. She must complete follow-up substance abuse treatment and obtain her GED. She must also pay a $1000.00 fine. Shipp was prosecuted by the Polk County Attorney’s Office Drug and Gang Bureau.

Chelsea A. VanLoon was arraigned on the charge of Forgery in violation of Iowa Code Sections 715A.2(1)(c) and 715A.2(2)(a)(3) a Class D Felony. Ms. VanLoon entered a plea of not guilty. A pre-trial conference and a trial date were set.

Michelle L. Gilge was arraigned on the charge of Forgery in violation of Iowa Code Section 715A.2(2)(a) a Class D Felony. Ms. Gilge entered a plea of not guilty. A pre-trial conference and a trial date were set.

Shelly Koch was sentenced on 2 counts of Theft in the Second Degree, both Class D Felonies. Ms. Koch pled guilty on June 2, 2010. The defendant received a suspended sentence and probation. Both counts ran consecutive to each other for an indeterminate term of incarceration not to exceed 10 years. As a condition of probation, the defendant must pay restitution to the victims in excess of $18,000.00.

Marcy Furnish pled guilty to an amended charge of Forgery, Aggravated Misdemeanor, in violation of Iowa Code Section 715A.2(2)(b). Ms. Furnish was sent to prison for a period not to exceed 10 years. This prison sentence shall run consecutive to her Story County prison sentence in FECR043332. As a condition of her sentence, the defendant must participate in a VORP, pay restitution to the victims in all matters.

Junior Karla is charged with the offenses of Burglary in the 2nd Degree, Going Armed with Intent, and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. The defendant sought to have his bond reduced and/or released on his own recognizance. The State resisted. Specifically the State argued that due to the nature and seriousness of the crimes, and the violence associated with this defendant’s crime, that the standard bonds which have been previously established, should stand. The Court denied the defendant’s motion for a bond review and left the bonds the same.

Kelli Jean Cornish was scheduled for a pre-trial conference in FECR237488 on the charge of Theft in the 2nd Degree. The pre-trial was continued, as Ms. Cornish has an OWI offense. The defense attorney sought to continue the pre-trial for one week in order for her to coordinate a package deal with the State. Her new pre-trial conference is scheduled for August 5, 2010 at 9:00 AM.

Dominick Joseph Viola was scheduled for a pre-trial conference in FECR237466. The defendant waived speedy trial and a new status conference and trial date were scheduled. The defendant is cooperating with law enforcement on where the counterfeit money he had in his possession came from. A new trial date was scheduled for September 13, 2010. A status conference was scheduled for August 26, 2010 at 9:00 AM.

Michael Young failed to appear for his hearing. A warrant was issued; however the defendant appeared at 1:30 and the judge withdrew the warrant over the State's objection.

7/30/2010

Valentino Orrai was arraigned on the charge of Fraudulent Practice in the Second Degree in violation of Iowa Code Section 714.10. The defendant entered a plea of not guilty. A pre-trial conference and a trial date were scheduled. Bond was continued.

Daniel E. Ware was arraigned on the charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance Third Offense in violation of Iowa Code Section 124.401(5) and Driving While License is Suspended in violation of Iowa Code Section 321.218. The defendant entered pleas of not guilty. A pre-trial conference and a trial date were established. The defendants bond was continued.

Michael Kolton appeared before the Court and asked to have his bond reduced from a cash only to a cash or surety bond. The State did not resist this, so that Mr. Kolton could be a trustee at the jail.

Artee Jessie Smith asked the Court to have his bond changed from cash only to cash or surety bond. The State resisted any change in existing bond due to the violent nature of his offenses. The Judge left bond the same.

Dorothy Kemboi appeared before the court and asked for her bond to be changed from cash only to cash or surety. The State resisted any change in existing bond due to violent nature of the defendants current crime and her violent criminal history. The Court left the bond the same.

Phillip Knight’s surety, Jill Deihl, appeared before the Court for a bond forfeiture hearing. The defendant has been taken into custody so the Court did exonerate the bond, and release it to Ms. Deihl as a surety.

Connie Dobberstein appeared before the Court and sought a reduction in the amount of restitution that she owed. After discussing the matter with the Court and reviewing the applicable statute, the Court denied her motion at this time, citing a lack of authority to do so. Specifically, the defendant sought to have her pay for stay jail amount eliminated.

Phyllis Long-Aaron appeared before the Court for a probation revocation and disposition hearing. The defendant stipulated that she was in violation of a probation. The parties then argued disposition. The State sought revocation based on the defendants failure at the Woman’s Residential Facility, and in regular probation supervision. The Court revoked the defendants probation and imposed the original sentences. Specifically, the defendant was sent to prison for 2 counts of Theft in the Second Degree and will serve a term of incarceration not to exceed 10 years.

Cory Harsh appeared before the Court for a plea and sentencing. The defendant pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance to wit: Marijuana and Attempted Burglary in the Third Degree. The defendant was given a suspended sentence and probation and placed on probation for 2 years. As a condition of probation, the defendant needs to obtain a substance abuse evaluation and follow through with treatment. Additionally, the defendant must pay any and all restitution on the attempted burglary and participate in a VORP session.

On July 30, 2010, Michael Kilpatrick appeared in Polk County District Court I criminal number FE 234963. Kilpatrick pleaded guilty to Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Hydromorphone/Dilaudid). Kilpatrick was sentenced to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 10 years. He must serve a mandatory one-third of his sentence prior to being eligible for parole. This sentence must also be served consecutively to earlier probation revocation sentences of five years each for Theft in the Second Degree and Burglary in the Third degree. Kilpatrick was prosecuted by the Polk County Attorney’s Office Drug and Gang Bureau.

Back to News & Recent Cases
Top of Page | Attorney Home Page | Polk County Home | Contact Us | Disclaimer
© 2012 Polk County Government