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LYON COUNTY ATTORNEY - PRESS RELEASES
A
criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is
presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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| Date |
Title |
Press Release |
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3/4/2010 |
State of Iowa vs. Christopher Todd Huisman |
On February 25, 2010 Christopher Todd Huisman of Rock Rapids, IA, was sentenced to Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree in violation of Iowa Code Sections 716.1 and 716.6. Mr. Huisman was sentenced to one (1) year in the Lyon County Jail, after the defendant has served 90 days of the jail sentence the remainder is suspended. The defendant is also placed on probation for one (1) year under the supervision of the Lyon County Sheriff's Office. Defendant shall pay restitution, court costs, fines, and surharges. |
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3/1/2010 |
County Attorney Dismisses Charges Without Prejudice |
Lyon County Attorney, Carl Petersen, in conjunction with special prosecutor, Charles Thoman has dismissed charges against John Van Gammeren without prejudice. This will terminate the 6 perjury complaints filed by the Lyon County Sheriff’s Deputy last fall. The delay in proceeding arose from ongoing discussions between the Lyon County Attorney and Lyon County Sheriff’s office, John Van Gammeren and his attorney.
“Perjury is a very unique criminal proceeding. It affords a Defendant the opportunity to erase his allegations of providing false testimony by making truthful statements to law enforcement under oath.” Van Gammeren and his attorney have cooperated with law enforcement after the complaints were filed.
“The priority is to find the person responsible for the death of Wilma Nissen. The investigation has substantial new information to determine the fate of Ms. Nissen. No further comment will be provided regarding Mr. Van Gammeren’s dismissal. Any further comments may hamper the ongoing investigation,” stated Carl Petersen, Lyon County Attorney.
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1/22/2010 |
Lyon County Attorney's Office announces the implementation of courthouse security in Lyon County |
Based upon the successful grant request by the Lyon County Attorney's Office and support from the Lyon County Sheriff's Department, Lyon County will implement courthouse security effective March 1, 2010. Dating back to 2005 the Lyon County Attorney's Office, Lyon County Sheriff, Lyon County Board of Supervisors, and the Lyon County County Bar Association have been in discussions to determine what level of security is reasonable and appropriate for the Lyon County Courthouse. Working towards this, the Lyon County Attorney's Office requested from the federal government the funds to operate security screening devises and the necessary equipment cost that is associated with this. In September of 2009 the Lyon County Attorney's Office was granted $107,781 of stimulus funds from the Bureau of Justice Assistance - Rural Law Enforcement grant, to operate the security system for approximately a period of two years. The Lyon County Attorney is quoted as stating: "We have been aware for the need for courthouse security and with the stimulus package federal funds have been drawn down to buy the equipment and pay for officers to protect the litigants, court personnel and the general public from any risks that may be apparent in the court proceedings. Although we are unable to make the entire courthouse secure during operation hours, we have identifed that certain days in the court proceedings that security is reasonable and appropriate."
The implementation will include metal detectors, two officers, and additional measures to protect all parties present in the court system. |
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