McFadden, Allen sentenced in GPS stalking case

Polk County Attorney Kimberly Graham released the following statement on the sentencing of Steve McFadden and Edwin Allen III on Monday. 

McFadden pleaded guilty to two crimes: unauthorized placement and use of a GPS device and harassment. He was sentenced to a one-year suspended sentence, a year of probation and was ordered to attend a seven-week, one-on-one class offered by the Iowa Department of Corrections. In addition, he was ordered to have no contact with the victim for five years. Allen pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and must pay a $500 fine and have no contact with the victim for five years. 

In a separate case involving a disagreement with tenants of one of his apartments, Allen pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct. District Associate Judge Brendan Greiner sentenced him to a 30-day suspended sentence, a year of probation; a no-contact order; $105 fine, court costs and surcharges; to attend an assaultive behavior class; and comply with any recommendations of a substance abuse evaluation. 

“I share the community’s outrage at McFadden’s and Allen’s behavior,” Graham said. “It’s important that the community understands that these plea deals were negotiated in consultation with the victim’s advocate. The victim is aware that had these cases proceeded to trial, she would have had to testify in two depositions and in two trials, putting her through an agonizing process with no guarantee of a conviction.  

“These plea agreements provide protection for the victim. Her interests were taken into account in arriving at these outcomes. It is critical that we listen to victims when negotiating case outcomes.”  

“In McFadden’s case, our office refused to agree to a deferred judgment.  We also insisted that he admit guilt in placing and using the GPS device, rather than entering an Alford plea where he would not admit guilt yet still accept the plea agreement. He will now have a criminal record.  It is critically important that this outcome extends the no-contact order for five years. 

“This case highlights what modern stalking looks like in the technological age, and we encourage other victims to come forward.  We will continue to fight for survivors of domestic violence and partner abuse, as well as for efforts to strengthen Iowa’s laws in this area. Under current law, we can’t charge defendants for every instance in which they track a victim with a GPS device.  

“I am pleased that the Iowa Senate and House have passed Senate File 84, which includes increased penalties for stalking while utilizing a technological device. I also support House File 112, which allows prosecutors to look back more than 12 years when determining whether a domestic violence arrest is a second or subsequent offense.”