Sticky post
Troy Cooke, 51, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl and two years for bestiality, with both sentences served concurrently. The judge cited Cooke’s lack of accountability and violation of trust. He is eligible for parole after seven years and must register as a sex offender. Continue reading Troy Cooke sentenced to prison Monday
Sticky post
Troy Cooke, convicted of sexual contact with a child under the age of 13, as well as bestiality, faces sentencing on Jan. 6. The former bounty hunter was convicted in a jury trial of a sexual contact charge and pleaded guilty to bestiality. Continue reading Troy Cooke, guilty of sexual contact with a child and bestiality, to be sentenced next week
Sticky post
Matt Vanderpool has been charged with sexual offenses against a second victim. He also has had his bail reduced and is now living with his parents in Iowa. A motions hearing is set for Jan. 6. Continue reading Matt Vanderpool charged for similar offenses involving second victim
Sticky post
Jason Ravnsborg, former South Dakota attorney general, faces a proposed six-month suspension of his Iowa law license following his impeachment after a traffic accident that killed pedestrian Joe Boever in 2020. He contests the suspension, arguing its severity and alleging government interference in the investigation. A hearing is scheduled for January 22, 2025. Continue reading Former South Dakota attorney general fights suspension of Iowa law license
Sticky post
Lynne Hunsley, a former South Dakota state employee, accepted a plea deal for creating a fraudulent vehicle title, receiving three years of probation, a $1,000 fine, and $1,200 in restitution. Other former state employees also face charges for various crimes. Attorney General Marty Jackley aims to enhance fraud protections in state government. Continue reading One of former state employees charged in string of criminal cases takes a plea deal
Sticky post
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced support for a constitutional amendment enabling child victims to testify via closed-circuit video to avoid facing their alleged abusers in court. Following a recent Iowa Supreme Court ruling reversing such protections, Bird emphasized the importance of this amendment for child safety and encouraging testimony in criminal cases. Continue reading Iowa AG pushes for constitutional amendment on child testimony
Sticky post
In 2024, complaints about police misconduct in South Dakota rose by 24% over the previous year, with 142 complaints filed. Despite this, less than 1% of certified officers faced discipline. The state Law Enforcement Commission discussed reforming protocols for notifying victims about misconduct hearings, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. Continue reading Police commission: Complaints against cops rising, but fewer than 1% of SD officers disciplined
A judge ruled that Iowa licensing officials failed to provide all necessary information to a physician accused of incompetence. Dr. Giovanni Ciuffo faced charges of professional incompetence and misleading representation. A judge stayed the proceedings due to the board’s failure to consider Ciuffo’s arguments for a continuance. Another physician, Hamza Alsayouf, also took the Board of Medicine to court for failing to provide complete information. Continue reading Judge finds that Board of Medicine withheld information from accused doctor
Iowa’s licensing boards may now keep secret the alleged misconduct tied to charges of professional incompetence, ethical violations, patient abuse, and criminal convictions, restricting public access to information. Disclosure of charges against practitioners has been greatly limited since October 2021, following a ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court to keep investigative information confidential until final rulings. This has led to inconsistencies in public disclosure by various licensing boards, prompting concerns about transparency and access to information. Continue reading Iowa’s licensing boards shut off access to information on charges
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises vs. Raimondo has overturned the 40-year precedent known as the Chevron doctrine, limiting deference to federal agency expertise. This ruling will impact farmers and ranchers in South Dakota, allowing them better standing to challenge agency rules. The decision is expected to lead to more consistency in regulations and an increase in lawsuits over federal regulations. Continue reading Ruling that dilutes regulatory power could ripple through farm and ranch country for years
The Siouxland Observer 