Clarke County successfully prosecuted the perpetrator of a home improvement scam whereby an unlicensed carpenter simultaneously collected multiple deposits for materials and home improvement jobs across Iowa, Missouri, and Minnesota. There was apparently no intent to do any work or to purchase any materials. Unfortunately, a Clarke County family fell victim to this scam. After providing the carpenter $5,000 for materials, the Defendant never came back and never delivered any materials. Cases like this often remain unprosecuted and are considered a civil matter because criminal intent in this scenario is notoriously difficult to prove. However, this case did result in a conviction and a judicial order for $5,000 in victim restitution.
In terms of May’s workload, eight Felony cases came in and 13 were disposed. Felony cases are the most serious of criminal cases. The number of pending Felonies is down from 84 to 80. So far this year (January through May) there have been 25 Felony convictions in Clarke County.
Indictable Misdemeanors are Misdemeanor crimes that are punishable by more than a year but no more than two years of incarceration. Misdemeanor crimes are categorized as Aggravated, Serious and Simple. Aggravated Misdemeanors are the most serious misdemeanors and can be punished by up to two years in prison. Serious Misdemeanor crimes are punishable by up to one year in the County Jail. Simple Misdemeanor crimes are punishable by up to 30 days in the county jail. Fines increase with the severity of the crime.
In May, 27 Indictable Misdemeanors came in 11 were disposed. The State’s case tracking system reflects that the pending number went up from 165 to 183. So far this year there have been 72 Indictable Misdemeanor convictions in Clarke County.
In May, 243 Simple Misdemeanors came in and 304 were disposed. The State’s case tracking system reflects that the total number of pending Simple Misdemeanors is down from 518 to 460. So far this year there have been 1,272 Simple Misdemeanor convictions in Clarke County.
In May, the Clarke County Attorney’s Office Juvenile case load included 11 new Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) and four were disposed. The State’s case tracking system reflects that the total number of pending Juvenile cases is up from 83 to 90.