Mahaska County Supervisor Charged with Fraud

Willie VanWeelden presided over the Mahaska County Supervisor meeting on April 4th, 2011 in his role as Chairman

In documents obtained by Osky News, a complaint and affidavit has been submitted to the Iowa District Court for Mahaska County, the State of Iowa vs. Henry W. VanWheelden. VanWheelden is accused of Fraudulent Insurance Submission.

The violation is of Iowa Code 507E.3 and is a Class D Felony. A Class D Felony in Iowa carries a maximum prison term not to exceed 5 years and a fine of at least $750.00 and not to exceed $7,500.00.

In a statement, a Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI) investigator states that Henry “Willie” VanWeelden, a Mahaska County Supervisor since 2000 who has served 2 terms and was re-elected to a 3rd term that started in January 2009, “indicated to one supervisor that he wanted to add his wife to his insurance through Mahaska County. He was told by this supervisor that he did not believe (his wife) was eligible because Mr. VanWeelden was not newly elected and (his wife) would have a 12 month waiting period.” The investigator goes on to explain, “Mr. WanWeelden never brought the issue to vote at an open meeting of the Board of Supervisors.”

The DCI Investigator continues by saying that VanWeelden wrote a letter to the Mahaska County insurance fund administrator, Auxient, and stated that, “the Board of Supervisors were “in agreement” that his wife should be added and that she should not be subject to any ‘riders'”. The investigator went on to say that VanWeelden stated that he was “newly elected” and the DCI Investigator states that he believes VanWeelden knowingly made false statements.

The investigation states that, “As a result of these statements, the insurance company erroneously covered Mrs. VanWeelden and paid claims to the detriment of Mahaska County’s Insurance Fund.”

I asked Mr. VanWeelden’s attorney about the status of the case and future steps in this case. Dave Dixon of Heslinga, Heslinga, Dixon & Moore Law Office in Oskaloosa stated, “This firm is representing Willie. We believe the charges lack merit and think that will come out in time, given the nature of the criminal process. At this juncture we really can’t comment on that, unfortunately.”

I asked Mr. Dixon if VanWeelden intended to resign his position or if he was going to remain during the legal proceedings? “I don’t know, but I would be surprised to see him resign. As far as I know he intends to, certainly, continue on.”

Also related to this, the continued process of the Urban Renewal and bonding of the hospital has been put on hold because of the current legal proceedings.

This story was originally broke by CRI and their story is available HERE

A criminal charge is merely a criminal charge and not an indication of guilt.