Disbelief And Shock Used To Describe Verdict

Willie VanWeelden (second from left) stands shortly after the verdict was read on Friday afternoon

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The faces of many people, roaming the courthouse shortly after the verdict was read Friday afternoon, carried a gamut of emotions.

Expectations were high from those in support of Mahaska County Supervisor ‘Willie’ VanWeelden when the jury came back in the time frame that they did. By many experts’ thinking, they would have said that it would have pointed towards a jury handing down a not guilty verdict.

As the foreperson of the jury handed back the documents, the court was silent.

Judge Paul Miller took the documents, and began to read the verdict. Guilty on count one, First Degree Theft. He then moved on to the next count, guilty of the crime of misconduct in office. The third count of tampering with records… he was also found guilty.

• First Degree Theft is a Class C Felony and could carry a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
• Felonious Conduct in Office is a Class D Felony, carrying a maximum of 5 years in imprisonment, and a fine not to exceed $7,500.
• Tampering with Records is an aggravated misdemeanor that could carry a maximum of 2 years imprisonment, and a fine not to exceed $5,000.

There were no outbursts from friends and family, that are many times observed in such proceedings, and VanWeelden and his attorneys appeared surprised by the verdict. VanWeelden could be seen slightly shaking his head. His family consoled one another after the jury had been dismissed.

Judge Paul Miller stated that the sentencing date will be set in the near future. VanWeelden’s bond remains as it was previously set.

He asked the prosecution to prepare a statement of pecuniary damages with a copy to be sent to the defense council at least 7 days before sentencing.

VanWeelden has 45 days to file motions for arrested judgement, (the postponement or stay of an official decision of a court), or for a new trial.

Sources informed Osky News that VanWeelden intends to attend the regular county supervisor meeting scheduled for Monday morning at 9:00 am.

Lead Defense Attorney Matt Moore nor VanWeelden would comment on the case at this time because of the ongoing litigation in this case.

Assistant Attorney General Becky Goettsch shook hands with Greg Gordy and Lawrence Rouw telling them, “good luck you guys”, upon her departure from the courtroom.

I caught up with Mahaska County Supervisor Ken Rozenboom just moments after the verdict was read. Rozenboom took office after Rouw’s term was completed and was not part of the investigation; nor had any involvement.

He described his emotions at that point as “disbelief and shock I guess”. He further described his feelings as being, “extremely surprised at the verdict”.

“I sat through most of the testimony; not all. I thought all the charges were answered very adequately.” Rozenboom went on to say, “I’m confused, I guess.”

I asked Rozenboom if the county was prepared to help clarify those gray areas that were brought to light during the trial. “I’ve already started figuring out how we can clean up that gray area. But having said that, the gray areas were addressed, fully and completely in testimony to me.”

Rozenboom said that re-elected versus newly elected isn’t in the policy book, “so how do you violate a policy that isn’t there?”

I posed the question to Rozenboom about if the letter VanWeelden wrote was “unusual”, stating that it was the centerpiece of the states case.

“I can understand the question. However, when I was elected I went through exact same procedure, I just didn’t send a letter to anyone. We did it verbally, through the auditors office. I was told I had to request a certificate of insurance, meaning that my wife and I were both currently being insured.”

Rozenboom said he provided that certificate to Sue Brown, who handles the county’s HR requests. Rozenboom said that it fulfilled the requirements, “and there’s been no questions asked”…”So, in a sense, it seems to me that the letter shouldn’t have even been necessary. In my case it wasn’t necessary.”