For summaries from opinions prior to August, 2018, view PDF versions here.
Opinion Summaries
Case No. 22-1435: State of Iowa v. John Edward Sanders
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Fae Hoover Grinde, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Buller, P.J., Langholz, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Bower, S.J. (14 pages)
John Sanders appeals his convictions for assault causing bodily injury, assault with intent to commit serious injury, and two counts of second-degree robbery. Sanders challenges the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his convictions and the marshaling instruction on second-degree robbery. Sanders further claims the court erred by denying his motion to continue sentencing and by failing to ensure a valid waiver of his right to testify. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1968: State of Iowa v. Bryan O'Neil Watkins
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, David P. Odekirk, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND REMANDED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Danilson, S.J. (19 pages)
Bryan Watkins appeals his convictions for two counts of assault causing bodily injury, second-degree sexual abuse, and willful injury causing serious injury as a habitual offender. He claims his waiver of his right to counsel was not knowing, intelligent, and voluntary. He argues the two counts of assault causing bodily injury should merge as should his conviction for second-degree sexual abuse and willful injury causing serious injury as a habitual offender. Finally, Watkins challenges the application of the habitual-offender enhancement to his conviction for willful injury causing serious injury. OPINION HOLDS: Watkins’s waiver of his right to counsel was knowing, intelligent, and voluntary. And there was no error, nor was an illegal sentence imposed, by applying the habitual offender enhancement. Because the jury made no finding of separate acts to support Watkins’s conviction of two counts of assault causing bodily injury, those counts merge into one count. Watkins’s convictions for second-degree sexual abuse and willful injury causing serious injury do not merge. We remand for entry of a corrected sentencing order merging the two counts of assault resulting in bodily injury.
Case No. 23-0224: State of Iowa v. Mathew Gregory Andrew Whitten
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Jefferson County, Mary Ann Brown, Judge. SENTENCE VACATED AND CASE REMANDED FOR RESENTENCING. Considered by Badding, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Vogel, S.J. (7 pages)
A defendant who pleaded guilty to a felony offense and later had a deferred judgment revoked appeals his plea and sentence. OPINION HOLDS: Because the defendant has not alleged he would not have pleaded guilty but for the alleged defects in his plea, we lack authority to vacate his plea under Iowa Code section 814.29. As for his sentence, we agree the prosecutor breached the plea agreement by failing to recommend the criminal fine be suspended. Therefore, we vacate the sentence and remand for resentencing before a different judge.
Case No. 23-0241: Brian Scott Ketelsen v. State of Iowa
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, David F. Staudt, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Langholz, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Danilson, S.J. (10 pages)
Brian Ketelsen appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief (PCR). He claims that he received ineffective assistance from trial counsel, some errors amounted to structural error, he should receive a new trial due to juror misconduct, and the PCR court’s conclusions were based on a faulty fundamental premise. OPINION HOLDS: Ketelsen cannot establish any ineffective assistance claims or structural error. His juror misconduct claims fail because he does not allege an extraneous influence on the deliberative process. The PCR court’s conclusions were not based on a faulty fundamental premise.
Case No. 23-0680: In the Matter of the Estate of Pamela Ann Gavin, Deceased
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Katie Ranes, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (13 pages)
Karen Barnhart appeals the denial of her petition to admit her mother’s will into probate. She argues the court erred in holding that the will was not signed by two witnesses and that the attached self-proving affidavit was not properly executed because it was cross-notarized by each of the signing witnesses. OPINION HOLDS: The witness signatures on the self-proving affidavit—which was attached to the will in sequentially numbered pages and dated the same day as testator’s signature on the will—satisfy the statutory requirement for witnesses to sign the will. The district court thus erred in denying admission of the will on this basis and in refusing to accept further proof of the subscribing witnesses to remedy any defect in the self-proving affidavit. We do not decide whether the district court was correct in its interpretation of the notarization requirement because regardless the affidavit does not meet the statutory requirement for a self-proving affidavit.
Case No. 23-0771: Matthew Guy Clarke v. State of Iowa
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Warren County, Stacy Ritchie, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Chicchelly, P.J., Buller, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Potterfield, S.J. (5 pages)
Pursuant to a plea agreement, Matthew Clarke pled guilty to and was convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon in 1992. Clarke filed his third application for postconviction relief in 2022, and the district court summarily dismissed it because it was filed outside the three-year statute of limitations and Clarke was unable to articulate any newly discovered facts or a new ground of law that allowed him to avoid the time-bar. OPINION HOLDS: Having considered all of Clarke’s arguments that were properly preserved and adequately briefed on appeal, we agree with the district court that Clarke failed to establish an exception to the statute of limitations that applies to his third application for PCR. Summary dismissal was appropriate.
Case No. 23-0813: State of Iowa v. Austin Mario Garcia-Shoemaker
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Tama County, Andrew Chappell, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (7 pages)
Austin Garcia-Shoemaker appeals his conviction for third-degree sexual abuse. He argues that the district court should have granted his motion for a new trial because the jury’s conclusion that any sex act with his cousin had been “by force or against the will” of his cousin was contrary to the weight of the evidence. OPINION HOLDS: The district court did not abuse its discretion in denying the motion and Garcia-Shoemaker has not shown that the weight of the evidence preponderates heavily against the guilty verdict. The testimony of the cousin, the DNA evidence on the clothing and bedding, and the medical examination all support the finding of guilt. We thus affirm the district court’s denial of Garcia-Shoemaker’s motion for a new trial.
Case No. 23-0834: Rodney Fitzgerald Jackson v. State of Iowa
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Tod Deck, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., Badding, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Danilson, S.J. (6 pages)
Rodney Jackson appeals from the summary disposition of his application for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: Jackson failed to present any evidence to generate a question of material fact, so the postconviction-relief court correctly granted the State’s motion for summary judgment.
Case No. 23-0942: State of Iowa v. Joellen Marie Eckert
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Cheryl Traum, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Buller, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. Dissent by Potterfield, S.J. (8 pages)
Joellen Eckert appeals the denial of her motion to suppress. She asserts her arrest was not supported by probable cause and thus the search of her purse was not conducted incident to a lawful arrest. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we determine the officers had probable cause to arrest Eckert and affirm the district’s court denial of her motion to suppress. DISSENT ASSERTS: While I agree that officers had probable cause to arrest Eckert, I would not end the analysis there. I understand her challenge on appeal to encompass a broader question—does application of the search-incident-to-arrest exception support the warrantless search of her purse when neither officer safety nor destruction of evidence was a concern? Because I conclude it does not, I respectfully dissent from the majority.
Case No. 23-0962: In re Marriage of Baughn and Pack
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Floyd County, Gregg R. Rosenbladt, Judge. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED. Considered by Badding, P.J., and Langholz and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Badding, P.J. (9 pages)
Kristi Baughn appeals the award of reimbursement spousal support to Jeremy Pack in the decree dissolving their marriage. OPINION HOLDS: We find that because Jeremy did not make economic sacrifices or contributions to Kristi’s advanced degree, he is not entitled to an award of reimbursement spousal support. We modify the dissolution decree to remove that award and its offset against Jeremy’s share of the marital debt.
Case No. 23-1082: Sharon L. Kellogg v. Brian Kellogg, Derek Day, Diane M. Kellogg and D&K Ranch, L.C.
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Chickasaw County, Alan Heavens, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (20 pages)
Sharon Kellogg, a transferee of a membership interest in a limited liability company, appeals the district court’s dismissal of her petition to vacate a deed conveying real estate owned by the company. She claims (1) there was no “valid basis for the substitution” of judges under Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.1802(1), and the court erred in (2) failing to recognize her member status as the personal representative of a deceased member, (3) holding that the managing member did not breach his fiduciary duty to her or violate the operating agreement by selling the company’s real estate, (4) approving a discounted value for her interest in the company, and (5) failing to consider her oppression claim. OPINION HOLDS: Having found no reversible error on the claims presented to us, we affirm the district court’s ruling.
Case No. 23-1101: Jennings v. Fremont County
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Fremont County, Greg W. Steensland, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND REMANDED FOR FURTHER PROCEEDINGS. Heard by Buller, P.J., Langholz, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Buller, P.J. Special Concurrence by Langholz, J. (18 pages)
Freemont County residents appeal the district court’s order dismissing all claims on a motion to dismiss regarding county ordinances and a proposed wind turbine project against the county and board of supervisors. OPINION HOLDS: All of the claims other than those alleging open‑meetings violations should have been brought by certiorari and were therefore untimely. The public‑meetings claims, although pled thinly, were sufficient to survive a motion to dismiss. We affirm dismissal of all claims but the alleged public‑meetings violations, and we reverse and remand for further proceedings. SPECIAL CONCURRENCE ASSERTS: I join in all the court’s well-reasoned opinion, including its decision not to reach the merits of the plaintiffs’ claim that the repealer clause of the wind ordinance violates Iowa Code section 331.302(4). I write separately to emphasize that no one should read the court’s opinion as blessing the wind ordinance’s general repealer clause. In a case where it were necessary to do so, I would not hesitate to hold the repealer clause violates section 331.302(4) because it fails to specify any particular provision that is repealed.
Case No. 23-1221: Scott Hunter and Steven Hunter v. Hunter Three Farms, LLC and Hunter of Iowa, Inc.
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Greene County, Derek Johnson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Chicchelly, P.J., Buller, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Buller, J. (8 pages)
Brothers appeal the dismissal of their breach-of-contract claim. OPINION HOLDS: Because they filed suit after the statutory five-year limitations period had ended, we affirm the dismissal of their case.
Case No. 23-1257: In re the Marriage of Jendro
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Robert B. Hanson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Bower, S.J. (10 pages)
Michael Jendro appeals the spousal support and property distribution provisions in the decree dissolving his marriage to Kyla Walther. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no failure to do equity between the parties, we affirm. We decline Michael’s request for appellate attorney fees but award fees to Kyla.
Case No. 23-1278: State of Iowa v. Matthew Linden Noehl
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Ian K. Thornhill, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., and Badding and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (16 pages)
On interlocutory appeal, Matthew Noehl challenges the district court’s order granting the State’s motion to amend to “change[] the dates of the alleged offense conduct in three different trial informations in the attempt to maintain the adult criminal court’s jurisdiction over [him].” Noehl claims the court “lacked jurisdiction over his case”; the State’s amendments to the trial information “were not authorized by Iowa law”; and the court erred in “declining to hold an evidentiary hearing to determine jurisdiction.” OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1313: State of Iowa v. Nessiah Tre'Verne Clark
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Joel W. Barrows, Judge. CONVICTIONS AFFIRMED; SENTENCES AFFIRMED IN PART, VACATED IN PART, AND REMANDED FOR RESENTENCING. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Gamble, S.J. (18 pages)
Nessiah Clark appeals his convictions and sentences for assault while using or displaying a dangerous weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, assault while participating in a felony, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, and use of a dangerous weapon in commission of a crime. OPINION HOLDS: We find the assault-with-a-dangerous-weapon sentence merges with the intimidation-with-a-dangerous-weapon sentence, vacate the assault sentence and the mandatory minimum on the intimidation-with-a-dangerous-weapon sentence, and remand for resentencing. We otherwise affirm Clark’s convictions and sentences.
Case No. 23-1328: State of Iowa v. Mathew Rohan Boon
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Lee (South) County, John M. Wright, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (6 pages)
Mathew Rohan Boon appeals after pleading guilty to third‑degree criminal mischief. OPINION HOLDS: Because Boon failed to establish that he was not competent, we affirm his conviction and sentence.
Case No. 23-1350: Hogg v. City Council of Cedar Rapids
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Fae Hoover Grinde, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Greer, P.J., Buller, J., and Doyle, S.J. Chicchelly, J., takes no part. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (24 pages)
Following a remand to the district court, we return to the resolution of a dispute involving neighboring landowners and the land use and zoning bodies of Cedar Rapids. As to efforts to both amend the land use plan and rezone part of one property ahead of its sale, the landowners assert the city’s actions at various levels were arbitrary and capricious and, for those and other reasons, the land use amendments passed are invalid. OPINION HOLDS: Because our review of a city’s land use and zoning decision is limited, we find the landowners did not make the requisite showing to provide the relief they request. We affirm the district court’s ruling annulling the writs of certiorari.
Case No. 23-1361: State of Iowa v. Michael Alan Cruzen
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Mark R. Lawson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (7 pages)
Michael Cruzen appeals his conviction for tampering with a witness, alleging the State failed to prove that he threatened a witness in a pending case against him during a phone call. He also complains that the court refused to define “threat” for the jury. OPINION HOLDS: Because substantial evidence supported the jury’s verdict and defining “threat” was unnecessary, we affirm Cruzen’s conviction.
Case No. 23-1409: State of Iowa v. Robert Lee Miller III
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Lawrence P. McLellan, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, C.J., Greer, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (24 pages)
After a seven-day trial, a jury convicted Robert Miller III of vehicular homicide by operating while intoxicated (OWI) and serious injury by vehicle by OWI. On appeal, Miller claims that the district court erred in denying his motion to suppress because police unconstitutionally searched his hospital rooms and then included information from those searches—and omitted other material evidence—in the warrant application for a sample of his blood. He also claims that the State failed to lay proper foundation under Iowa Code section 321J.11(1) for admission of his alcohol test result because it did not show that a nurse used “new equipment” to draw his blood. OPINION HOLDS: Finding the district court properly admitted evidence of Miller’s blood alcohol content, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1467: State of Iowa v. Gustaf Roy Carlson
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, Steven P. Van Marel, Judge. THEFT CONVICTION AND HABITUAL-OFFENDER JUDGMENT AFFIRMED; SENTENCE VACATED; REMANDED FOR FURTHER PROCEEDINGS. Considered by Buller, P.J., Sandy, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Gamble, S.J. (14 pages)
A defendant appeals his conviction and sentence for second-degree theft. He argues the district court erred in (1) denying his motion for directed verdict when the State had presented insufficient evidence to convict him, (2) allowing the prosecutor to burden shift by questioning him on his failure to produce a bill of sale and later commenting on that failure during closing, (3) failing to comply with habitual-offender stipulation requirements such that his stipulation to his prior convictions was not knowing and voluntary, (4) failing to provide any reason supporting its consecutive sentence order, and (5) refusing to set a hearing on the defendant’s challenge to restitution. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the defendant’s conviction but vacate the judgment on his habitual-offender enhancement, vacate his sentence, and remand to the district court for proceedings consistent with this opinion.
Case No. 23-1480: Doren Walker v. State of Iowa
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Washington County, Joel D. Yates, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED WITH INSTRUCTIONS. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Carr, S.J. (10 pages)
Doren Walker appeals the district court’s denial of his application for modification of the sex offender registry. Walker argues the district court abused its discretion in focusing on the nature of the offense without considering whether he is currently at risk to reoffend. OPINION HOLDS: Finding the district court exceeded the scope of its discretion, we vacate the district court’s decision and remand with instructions to grant Walker’s application.
Case No. 23-1483: Juan Antonio Nino-Estrada v. State of Iowa
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Zachary Hindman, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (10 pages)
Juan Nino-Estrada appeals the summary dismissal of his second application for postconviction relief (PCR) following his 2015 convictions for two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder, and one count of willful injury. The district court concluded Nino-Estrada’s application was time-barred, which Nino-Estrada challenges, arguing the court misapplied the summary-judgment standards when deciding whether he established a ground-of-fact exception that would allow him to bring his PCR application outside the statute of limitations. OPINION HOLDS: Even viewing the record in the light most favorable to Nino-Estrada, he cannot establish that the alleged recantations of Erika and Flaco are new grounds of fact that he could not have raised within the limitations period. For this reason, his second PCR application is time-barred and summary judgment is appropriate.
Case No. 23-1514: Joseph Romare and Whiskey River on Vintage, Inc. v. City of Ankeny, Iowa and David Jones
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Paul D. Scott, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (6 pages)
A bar owner challenges the dismissal of his petition alleging the city manager violated the law by sending police to his establishment. The district court found the bar owner’s allegations too vague to meet the heightened pleading standard in Iowa Code section 670.4A(3) (2022). OPINION HOLDS: Like the district court, we find that the bar owner’s petition failed to “state with particularity the circumstances constituting the violation” and affirm its dismissal.
Case No. 23-1562: Charles Collins v. Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) and West Bend Mutual Insurance
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Paul Scott, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (10 pages)
Charles Collins appeals the district court’s denial of his petition for judicial review of the workers’ compensation commissioner’s ruling that he is not entitled to benefits because he failed to prove he contracted COVID-19 in the course of his employment with the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority. OPINION HOLDS: Substantial evidence supports the commissioner’s finding that Collins did not prove he was exposed to COVID-19 in his workplace. True, Collins took many precautions outside of work to avoid contracting COVID-19. But shortly before testing positive, he also traveled out of state to the Mayo Clinic—staying in a hotel for several days and encountering other people. Collins also could not show he had prolonged exposure to any COVID-positive employee while at work. Presented with competing theories of exposure and dueling expert reports, the commissioner’s decision was supported by substantial evidence in the record.
Case No. 23-1605: State of Iowa v. Quintin Demilo Clemons
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Korie Talkington, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Schumacher, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Potterfield, S.J. (5 pages)
As part of a plea agreement he entered into with the State, Quintin Clemons pled guilty to eluding, first offense. The State agreed to recommend a sentence of 120 days in county jail with all but ten days suspended while Clemons was free to make any request. Following an unreported sentencing hearing, the district court sentenced Clemons to 240 days in the county jail with all but thirty days suspended and placed him on probation. Clemons appeals that sentence, arguing the district court failed to provide adequate reasons on the record for imposing a more severe sentence than he requested or the State recommended. OPINION HOLDS: Because the court is not required to give its reasons for rejecting particular sentencing options and the reasons it gave for the sentence it did impose were adequate to enable our review, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1607: State of Iowa v. Jesus Ramon Quintero-Vazquez
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Jason A. Burns, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., Sandy, J., and Telleen, S.J. Opinion by Telleen, S.J. (6 pages)
A defendant appeals the denial of his motion for judgment of acquittal, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence to support a conviction for domestic abuse assault causing bodily injury. OPINION HOLDS: Finding substantial evidence, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1626: State of Iowa v. Erik Michael Marks
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Deborah Farmer Minot, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., Buller, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Gamble, S.J. (9 pages)
Erik Marks appeals his conviction for boating while intoxicated, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence and the court’s denial of his motion for new trial. OPINION HOLDS: Finding the evidence supports his conviction and the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying his motion for new trial, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1650: State of Iowa v. Zebulon Paul Dawson
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Robert J. Richter, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (12 pages)
Zebulon Paul Dawson appeals his conviction and sentence after a jury found him guilty of assault causing bodily injury. OPINION HOLDS: Substantial evidence supports the jury’s verdict, which is not contrary to the weight of the evidence. Because the district court did not err by denying Dawson a new trial or abuse its sentencing discretion, we affirm Dawson’s conviction and sentence.
Case No. 23-1758: Charles Keith James, Jr. v. State of Iowa
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Scott Beattie, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Langholz, J., and Mullins, S.J. Opinion by Mullins, S.J. Buller, J., takes no part. (4 pages)
Charles James appeals the dismissal of his sixth application for postconviction relief, filed more than twenty years after his 2001 conviction for first-degree murder. OPINION HOLDS: We find the application untimely and affirm dismissal.
Case No. 23-1935: In re Detention of Zebulun Thaxton McFadden
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Wright County, Blake H. Norman, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (11 pages)
Zebulun McFadden appeals his civil commitment as a sexually violent predator under Iowa Code chapter 229A (2023). McFadden’s sole issue on appeal is a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence to support the commitment. OPINION HOLDS: We determine sufficient evidence supports the civil commitment and affirm.
Case No. 23-2042: State of Iowa v. Kenneth Edwin Barnes
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Buchanan County, John J. Sullivan, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (4 pages)
Kenneth Edwin Barnes appeals his sentences after pleading guilty to possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and possession of marijuana, third or subsequent offense. OPINION HOLDS: The district court accepted Barnes’s guilty pleas and denied his motion in arrest of judgment. Barnes does not challenge the denial of his motion in arrest on appeal. Because the ruling and Barnes’s guilty pleas stand, the sentencing court did not abuse its discretion by considering the plea agreement in sentencing Barnes.
Case No. 23-2077: In re Estate of Maxwell
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marshall County, Amy M. Moore, Judge. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., Badding and Chicchelly, J.J. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (15 pages)
Gregory (Greg) Maxwell appeals the $626,397.58 judgment entered against him on claims by his father’s estate for conversion and unjust enrichment. OPINION HOLDS: Because Greg pled guilty to theft in an amount between $500 and $1000, the district court erred by precluding Greg from litigating his liability for theft of over $240,000. But substantial evidence supports awarding the estate $626,397.58 in damages on the unjust-enrichment claim and denying Greg’s claim that the estate owes him compensation for his caretaking services. We affirm the judgment as modified.
Case No. 23-2090: State of Iowa v. Caleb Jeffrey Fairchild
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Madison County, Michael Jacobsen, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (10 pages)
Caleb Fairchild was convicted of three counts of sexual abuse in the second degree and one count of indecent contact with a child after his first trial ended in a mistrial. On appeal, Fairchild argues (1) there was insufficient evidence to convict him of the charges—attacking the reliability and credibility of the testimony of the two child victims and (2) the district court erroneously admitted the hearsay testimony of L.O.’s mother regarding his out-of-court statements because Fairchild’s objection was timely. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find sufficient evidence underlies the verdict and any erroneously admitted hearsay evidence was not prejudicial, we affirm Fairchild’s convictions.
Case No. 24-0016: Mark Owen Mitchell v. Elsihner Smith
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Buena Vista County, Shayne Mayer, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Buller, P.J., Langholz, J., and Mullins, S.J. Opinion by Buller, P.J. (6 pages)
A father appeals a decree placing physical care of three children with the mother. OPINION HOLDS: Recognizing the district court was in an advantaged position to weigh credibility and that the mother was the historical primary caregiver, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0063: State of Iowa v. Caleb Jermaine Williams
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Monica Z. Ackley, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (3 pages)
A defendant appeals the denial of his motion in arrest of judgment. OPINION HOLDS: Because he has no right to direct appeal from his guilty plea to non-class “A” offense, and because discretionary review is unavailable for ineffective assistance of counsel claims, we must dismiss the appeal.
Case No. 24-0095: In the Interest of R.M. and B.M., Minor Children
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Kossuth County, David C. Larson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (3 pages)
A father appeals the juvenile court’s denial of his motion to continue the hearing on the mother’s petition to terminate his parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: We find no abuse of the court’s discretion and summarily affirm.
Case No. 24-0210: Laron Dpree Hampton v. State of Iowa
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Mills County, Kathleen A. Kilnoski, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (10 pages)
Laron Hampton appeals the district court’s denial of his application for postconviction relief following his 2018 convictions for three counts of second-degree sexual abuse. Hampton claims his trial counsel was ineffective by “failing to preserve error related to [the admissibility of] medical records” and alternatively, his appellate counsel was ineffective “for failing to raise this issue on direct appeal.” OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0236: H.J. Heinz Company and Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. v. Terry Tilton
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, David Nelmark, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (18 pages)
An employer and its insurer appeal from the district court’s ruling denying their petition for judicial review of the Iowa Deputy Workers’ Compensation Commissioner’s (Commissioner) remand decision. They argue the Commissioner erred by (1) failing to make explicit findings on the employee’s credibility; (2) determining the discovery rule date to be April 15, 2013; (3) finding the employee’s low back and mental conditions were causally related to and permanently aggravated by her employment with the employer and caused her to be permanently and totally disabled; and (4) finding the employee was entitled to penalty benefits. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, discerning no errors of law and finding substantial evidence supports all the Commissioner’s factual findings and determinations.
Case No. 24-0302: State of Iowa v. Hannah Leeann Johnston
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dallas County, Virginia Cobb, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (6 pages)
Hannah Johnston appeals the sentence imposed after revocation of her deferred judgment and probation, claiming the district court abused its discretion by considering unproven charges in imposing the sentence. OPINION HOLDS: Because Johnston failed to show the district court relied on those charges in determining her sentence, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0345: State of Iowa v. William Eugene Harris
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Kossuth County, John M. Sandy, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Sandy, J., takes no part. Opinion by Langholz, J. (7 pages)
William Harris appeals his two convictions for third-degree sexual abuse challenging the sufficiency of the evidence that he performed a “sex act” when he touched two patients during their echocardiogram appointments. OPINION HOLDS: Substantial evidence supports the jury verdicts. Both patients testified that Harris inappropriately touched them. They were only scheduled to receive an echocardiogram—there was no reason Harris needed to remove their pants or touch below their chests. And the jury could reject his explanation that he was performing a deep-vein-thrombosis screen as not credible.
Case No. 24-0377: Greer v. Tailor Maid Services, LLC
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Justin Lightfoot, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (9 pages)
A self-represented plaintiff appeals the district court’s grant of summary judgment to defendants on claims arising from failed negotiations between two business entities. OPINION HOLDS: Because the alleged injuries pertain to the business, not the plaintiff in his personal capacity, the plaintiff lacked standing to pursue the claims in his personal capacity.
Case No. 24-0756: In the Matter of the Trust of Kyle Mark Hane
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Chad A. Kepros, Judge. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED AND REMANDED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (8 pages)
As the settlor and beneficiary of a “private expressed trust,” Kyle Hane petitioned for relief from the district court to address a vacancy in the office of the trustee. The district court denied the petition and dismissed the action with prejudice. OPINION HOLDS: Given the state of the record before us and with no options to remedy that problem, we affirm the dismissal of the action. However, the district court’s determination was not an adjudication on the merits as there was no hearing or evidence presented, so we modify the ruling to dismissal without prejudice and remand to the district court with directions to modify its order accordingly.
Case No. 24-0779: Jacob Emory Tripp v. Mallory Anne Jensen
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Cerro Gordo County, Rustin Davenport, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (13 pages)
Jacob Tripp appeals the district court’s custody decree granting Mallory Jensen physical care of their minor son. He argues placing the child in Jensen’s physical care is not in the child’s best interests. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our de novo review of the record, we affirm the district court’s physical care determination.
Case No. 24-0873: In the Interest of K.L., Minor Child
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Christine Dalton, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Sandy, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Gamble, S.J. (11 pages)
A guardian challenges the transfer of jurisdiction over a juvenile case to Texas. OPINION HOLDS: While we conclude Iowa could assert exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act despite Texas’s initial jurisdiction, we find Iowa correctly declined to exercise that jurisdiction as an inconvenient forum and affirm the district court’s order.
Case No. 24-0984: In the Interest of G.A., Minor Child
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Susan Cox, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. Partial Dissent by Ahlers, J. (13 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her youngest child. OPINION HOLDS: Because we conclude the child could not be safely returned to the mother’s custody at the time of the termination trial and an additional six months would not resolve the need for the child’s removal, we affirm the termination of the mother’s parental rights. PARTIAL DISSENT ASSERTS: I agree that the child could not be safely returned to the mother at the time of the termination hearing, so I concur with the majority’s determination that the State established statutory grounds for termination. However, I would conclude termination is not in the child’s best interest and provide the mother with a six-month extension to work toward reunification given her documented progress since the permanency hearing.
Case No. 24-1010: In the Interest of J.C., K.C., and K.C., Minor Children
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Susan Cox, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (8 pages)
Father appeals the termination of parental rights, disputing the statutory basis and arguing termination is not in the children’s best interests. The father also asks for additional time or for the appointment of a guardianship. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find sufficient grounds for termination, we affirm the decision of the juvenile court.
Case No. 24-1050: In the Interest of D.R. and T.R., Minor Children
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Des Moines County, Emily Dean, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (5 pages)
A mother and father separately appeal the termination of their parental rights to their two children. OPINION HOLDS: We summarily affirm both appeals.
Case No. 24-1248: In the Interest of K.E., S.B., and V.B., Minor Children
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Erik I. Howe, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Buller, P.J., Langholz, J., and Mullins, S.J. Opinion by Mullins, S.J. (13 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of parental rights to her three girls on multiple grounds. OPINION HOLDS: We find that the State met its burden to show a basis for termination under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(f) (2024) as to the oldest child and (h) as to the two youngest and that the mother’s pattern of drug use, domestic violence, and contact with her daughter’s abuser makes termination in the children’s best interest. We decline to apply an exception based on the parent-child bond, and we do not grant additional time for reunification.
Case No. 24-1469: In the Interest of Q.C., A.G., and A.G., Minor Children In The Matter Of Property Seized For Forfeiture From Bitcoin Depot Operating, Llc,
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Wapello County, Richelle Mahaffey, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (13 pages)
A mother appeals the district court’s removal, adjudicatory, and dispositional orders concerning her three children. OPINION HOLDS: The mother’s appeal of the initial removal order is moot, and she waived her challenge to the children’s adjudication. We affirm the dispositional order as placement in the mother’s home is contrary to the welfare of the children and the placement ordered is the least restrictive placement that is appropriate considering the circumstances. PARTIAL DISSENT ASSERTS: Because there is not an adequate placement available for the middle child, custody should not be transferred from the mother. I dissent in part, finding the child’s needs would be better met in the mother’s custody with department supervision.
Case No. 24-1534: In the Interest of A.H., Minor Child
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Jones County, Joan M. Black, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Ahlers and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (9 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. OPINON HOLDS: Because the child could not be safely returned to the mother’s custody at the time of the termination hearing, a statutory ground for termination is satisfied. The strength of the parent-child bond does not warrant forgoing termination in this instance.
Case No. 24-1536: In the Interest of R.W., Minor Child
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Wapello County, Richelle Mahaffey, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Badding, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Bower, S.J. (9 pages)
Parents separately appeal the termination of their parental rights to R.W., born in 2021. They claim the district court erred in concluding the child could not safely be returned to their custody, termination is not in the child’s best interests, and the parent-child bond should preclude termination. The mother also claims the court should have placed the child in a guardianship with the maternal grandmother in lieu of terminating her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm.
Case No. 24-1537: In the Interest A.S. and G.S., Minor Children
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Lynn Poschner, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (7 pages)
A mother and father separately appeal the termination of their parental rights to two children. OPINION HOLDS: Because we decline to apply a permissive exception or grant a six‑month extension, we affirm termination of the parents’ respective parental rights to their two children.
Case No. 24-1556: In the Interest of H.L., Minor Child
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Guthrie County, Virginia Cobb, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Ahlers and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (10 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights to his seven-year-old daughter. The State appeals the juvenile court’s dismissal of its petition to terminate the rights of the mother. OPINION HOLDS: We find the record supports termination of the father’s rights and shows no detriment to the child through termination. And we find the State failed to preserve error on any of its claims on the statutory grounds, so we need not address the court’s findings on any other steps of the termination analysis as to the mother. We affirm on both appeals.
Case No. 24-1574: In the Interest of G.A. and S.A., Minor Children
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Cynthia S. Finley, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Ahlers and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (3 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights. OPINON HOLDS: Because the father failed to present any substantive argument for our review, he has waived his appellate claims. Even had the father not waived his claims, we would find multiple statutory grounds for termination satisfied, that termination is in the children’s best interests, there are no strong parent-child bonds to preclude termination, and there would be no basis for granting the father additional time to work towards reunification.
Case No. 24-1586: In the Interest of N.F. and E.F., Minor Children
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Carrie K. Bryner, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Ahlers and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (14 pages)
A mother and father separately appeal the juvenile court’s ruling terminating their parental rights for their two children. On appeal, they make identical claims. They contend that (1) the statutory grounds for termination were not established and (2) the juvenile court erred in not applying a permissive exception to termination. OPINION HOLDS: After our de novo review of the record, we affirm on both appeals.
Case No. 24-1630: In the Interest of S.A., Minor Child
Filed Dec 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Brent Pattison, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Ahlers and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (6 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her one-year-old son. She contends the juvenile court was mistaken in finding that her son could not be safely returned to her custody. She also asserts it would be in his best interests to give her “a few more months to prove her sobriety and stability.” OPINION HOLDS: Because the State offered clear and convincing evidence that the child would be at risk of harm if returned to his mother’s custody, and that moving toward permanency now would serve his best interests, we affirm the termination order.
Case No. 22-1941: Northwest Bank & Trust Company v. Pershing Hill Lofts, LLC, John M. Carroll, and John G. Ruhl
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Tom Reidel and Meghan Corbin, Judges. REVERSED AND REMANDED. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Langholz, JJ., but decided by Schumacher, P.J., Langholz, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Langholz, J. (14 pages)
Northwest Bank & Trust Company appeals the district court’s grant of summary judgment on its breach-of-contract claim and the court’s denial of its motion for a new trial after an adverse jury verdict on its fraudulent-misrepresentation claims. OPINION HOLDS: Pershing Hill Lofts, LLC’s agreement to seek financing exclusively from Northwest Bank in return for Northwest expending its resources on due diligence on the loan is not an agreement to agreement. And the mutual obligations of this exclusivity agreement do not become unenforceable merely because they were included in a longer document that describes the tentative financing terms that everyone agrees cannot be enforced. Neither does this exclusivity clause have any condition precedent. Nor is it too indefinite to be enforced. We thus reverse the district court’s grant of summary judgment and remand for further proceedings on Northwest Bank’s breach-of-contract claim. Because the district court excluded any reference to the exclusivity agreement in the jury trial on Northwest Bank’s fraudulent-misrepresentation claims based on the erroneous summary-judgment ruling, we agree that Northwest Bank is entitled to a new trial on those claims as well.
Case No. 23-0032: State of Iowa v. Tony Earl Arterberry
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Scott Rosenberg, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, C.J., and Ahlers and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (16 pages)
Tony Arterberry challenges the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his convictions for first-degree murder, first-degree burglary, and first-degree robbery. He also disputes several evidentiary rulings, arguing they deprived him of a fair trial. OPINION HOLDS: There was sufficient evidence to support the jury’s verdict. We affirm Arterberry’s convictions for all three crimes and reject his evidentiary challenges.
Case No. 23-0804: Tamra Bradley and Scott Bradley v. Timothy Tietz and Carol Tietz
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Jason D. Besler, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Greer, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (12 pages)
Tamra and Scott Bradley appeal the denial of a directed verdict, arguing no evidence supported submitting comparative fault to the jury in the trial on their negligence claims against Timothy and Carol Tietz arising out of a truck crash. OPINION HOLDS: Considering the evidence—including a video of the crash—in the light most favorable to the Tietzs, there was evidence from which a jury could find Tamra Bradley negligent and at least one percent at fault for the crash. Thus, the Bradleys’ directed-verdict motion was properly denied.
Case No. 23-0840: State of Iowa v. Carlos Daniel Mejia
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, James N. Daane, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Doyle, S.J. (6 pages)
Carlos Mejia appeals after a jury found him guilty of attempted murder, intimidation with a dangerous weapon with intent, and willful injury causing serious injury, challenging the denial of his motion seeking to limit evidence of his drug use. OPINION HOLDS: Because the evidence provided necessary context, including Mejia’s motive for shooting the victim, and the probative value is not outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Mejia’s motion in limine.
Case No. 23-0918: State of Iowa v. James Michael Coleman
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Melissa Anderson-Seeber, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Greer, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (7 pages)
A criminal defendant appeals his convictions for possession of contraband in a correctional facility and possession of a controlled substance. OPINION HOLDS: The defendant did not contest at least one of the alternatives presented to the jury, so we are required to apply the general‑verdicts statute. Because the defendant did not contest he knowingly possessed contraband while confined in the jail, the sheriff’s office lobby was part of the jail, and a reasonable jury could conclude the defendant knew of the methamphetamine baggie in his sock, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0938: Kohl Milton Fisher v. State of Iowa
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Boone County, John R. Flynn, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Chicchelly, P.J., Buller, J., and Gamble, S.J. Badding, J., takes no part. Opinion by Gamble, S.J. (11 pages)
An applicant appeals the denial of his request for postconviction relief based on claims of ineffective assistance of counsel and actual innocence. OPINION HOLDS: Finding the applicant has not shown by clear and convincing evidence that “no reasonable fact finder could convict” him of sexual abuse in the third degree and has not established counsel’s performance fell below that of a reasonably competent attorney, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1258: State of Iowa v. Keith Williams
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Michael D. Huppert, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED. Considered by Schumacher and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (5 pages)
A defendant who pled guilty appeals his sentence negotiated as part of a plea agreement and adopted by the district court. OPINION HOLDS: Because the defendant failed to establish good cause as required by Iowa Code section 814.6(1)(a)(3) (2023), we dismiss the appeal.
Case No. 23-1292: State of Iowa v. John Calabraze Pecora III
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Monica Ackley, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., Buller, J., and Telleen, S.J. Opinion by Telleen, S.J. (9 pages)
A defendant appeals from his convictions on one count of second-degree sexual abuse, two counts of third-degree sexual abuse, and one merged count of lascivious acts with a child, arguing the district court abused its discretion in excluding evidence of his divorce and an alleged custody dispute as irrelevant. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no abuse of discretion, we affirm the defendant’s convictions.
Case No. 23-1343: State of Iowa v. Roy Allen Hogan
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Lawrence P. McLellan, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (3 pages)
Roy Allen Hogan appeals the sentence imposed by the district court after pleading guilty. OPINION HOLDS: Because Hogan lacks good cause to appeal, we must dismiss his appeal.
Case No. 23-1468: State of Iowa v. Frederick Lee Hawkins III
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, Steven P. Van Marel, Judge. CONVICTIONS AFFIRMED; SENTENCES REVERSED IN PART AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS. Heard by Greer, P.J., and Schumacher, Badding, Chicchelly, and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (21 pages)
Hawkins, who struggles with mental health issues, was charged with three counts of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse for his actions against three female victims. In all three instances, Hawkins touched the victim’s buttocks; one female victim reports more significant conduct including Hawkins hugging her from behind, rubbing his erect penis on her, and forcing his hand down her pants. When officers arrived, Hawkins argues he was detained and interrogated before being made aware of his Miranda rights. Finally, Hawkins argues his sentence, as imposed, was illegal because the court did not articulate why his three individual sentences were to be served consecutively, and not concurrently. OPINION HOLDS: Because we review the record as a whole, we find sufficient evidence to support Hawkins’s three counts of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse. We find no Miranda violations and affirm the district court’s suppression ruling. Finally, we remand to the district court to address the narrow question of whether to impose consecutive or concurrent sentences.
Case No. 23-1476: State of Iowa v. Adam Eugene Coy
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Greene County, Kurt J. Stoebe, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (5 pages)
A defendant appeals his convictions for attempted murder, willful injury causing serious injury, and domestic abuse causing bodily injury, arguing the district court erred in admitting testimony of prior acts of domestic assault. OPINION HOLDS: Finding the district court did not abuse its discretion, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1488: State of Iowa v. Fred Valenzuela
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, John D. Telleen, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Telleen, S.J., takes no part. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (5 pages)
A jury found Fred Valenzuela guilty of third-degree sexual abuse. On appeal, Valenzuela challenges the district court’s denial of his motion for new trial, arguing the court abused its discretion when it weighed the evidence because it relied on its sympathy for the complaining witness when determining credibility. OPINION HOLDS: Because the district court did not abuse its discretion, we affirm the denial of Valenzuela’s motion for new trial.
Case No. 23-1529: Clark v. Iowa Department of Revenue
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Jeanie Vaudt, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, C.J., and Ahlers and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (9 pages)
Taxpayers appeal the district court’s order on judicial review affirming the Iowa Department of Revenue’s decision to disallow a capital-gains deduction. Taxpayers claim that when they sold their personal goodwill, they sold the assets of their respective businesses of being employees, qualifying them for capital-gains deductions on their personal income-tax returns. OPINION HOLDS: Even assuming that the business of being an employee could qualify for a business for purposes of the capital-gains deduction, there is no evidence in the record that any such businesses existed here for the taxpayers to sell and qualify for the applicable deduction.
Case No. 23-1618: State of Iowa v. Matthew Scott Serres
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Cheryl Traum, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (11 pages)
After hearing evidence that Matthew Serres led police on a high-speed chase on his motorcycle, a jury found him guilty of eluding while going more than twenty-five miles per hour over the speed limit. Serres appeals, contending that the State failed to prove he was driving the motorcycle. OPINION HOLDS: The State presented substantial eyewitness and video evidence to support the jury’s determination that Serres was the eluding motorcyclist. Thus, we affirm Serres’s conviction.
Case No. 23-1670: State of Iowa v. Angel Guerrero Garcia
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, John C. Nelson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (8 pages)
Angel Garcia was convicted of indecent contact with a child (count I), possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) (count II), and assault causing bodily injury or mental illness (count III). On appeal, Garcia challenges the sufficiency of the evidence to support counts I and III; he argues (1) the scant evidence he touched K.G.’s butt does not establish the touching was for the purpose of arousing or satisfying the sexual desire of either him or K.G. and (2) “although there may be evidence of an assault, there was no evidence presented that [he] made physical contact with Mr. Bakkers that caused any injury to him.” He maintains there is only evidence to support a simple-misdemeanor assault. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find sufficient evidence on the record to support convictions of indecent contact with a child and assault causing bodily injury or mental illness, we affirm the decisions of the district court.
Case No. 23-1723: In the Interest of E.R., Minor Child
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Michael Motto, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (11 pages)
A juvenile appeals the juvenile court’s ruling that he committed the delinquent act of sexual abuse in the second degree in violation of Iowa Code section 709.3 (2024). The juvenile contends insufficient evidence was presented to support the juvenile court’s ruling. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, finding substantial evidence supports the juvenile court’s decision.
Case No. 23-1741: State of Iowa v. Andrew Raymond Karvel
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Allamakee County, Alan Heavens, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (16 pages)
A jury found Andrew Karvel guilty of second-degree murder. He challenges the conviction, arguing (1) substantial evidence does not support his conviction, arguing the State failed to prove he strangled the decedent, that the decedent died as a result of strangulation, or that he acted with malice aforethought (2) the district court wrongly admitted prior bad acts evidence against him; and (3) the district court should have granted his motion for new trial based on improper jury instructions, misconduct by the prosecutor, and the verdict being contrary to the greater weight of the credible evidence. OPINION HOLDS: Finding none of Karvel’s claims meritorious, we affirm Karvel’s conviction.
Case No. 23-1765: POET-DSM Project Liberty, LLC v. Iowa Department of Revenue
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Scott J. Beattie, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, C.J., and Ahlers and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (14 pages)
A taxpayer appeals the judicial review decision affirming the director of the Iowa Department of Revenue and denying its request to keep its tax protest confidential under Iowa Code section 22.7 (2021), the Open Records Act. OPINION HOLDS: On our review of this administrative appeal, we agree with the district court and the agency that the documents are not categorically exempt from public disclosure under Iowa Code section 22.7, subsections 6 and 18. Because we agree with that outcome, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1783: State of Iowa v. Jamarrion James Davis
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Webster County, Kurt J. Stoebe, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (10 pages)
Jamarrion James Davis appeals after a jury found him guilty of first-degree murder. OPINION HOLDS: I. Substantial evidence supports the jury’s verdict that Davis is guilty of first-degree murder. II. The district court did not abuse its discretion in admitting evidence of a recorded phone call Davis made from jail or evidence of his motive for the shooting. The evidence was relevant, and the probative value was not outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice.
Case No. 23-1786: State of Iowa v. Vanessa Renae Gale
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Christine Dalton and Phillip J. Tabor, Judges. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Tabor, C.J., takes no part. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (8 pages)
Vanessa Gale was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, second offense. On appeal, Gale argues the evidence should have been suppressed due to an illegal seizure and asserts the imposed sentence is illegal because she did not have the predicate conviction to enhance the charges. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the district court’s findings that the seizure of Gale was lawful, and the resulting evidence was admissible. We deny her challenge to the proof of her prior conviction of the predicate offense. Her convictions and resulting sentence are supported by the record.
Case No. 23-1887: State of Iowa v. Marlon Lamonte Maclin Sr.
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Michael Motto, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (5 pages)
Marlon LaMonte Maclin Sr. appeals the district court’s evidentiary ruling, contending that witness testimony should have been excluded. OPINION HOLDS: Because the district court did not abuse its discretion in its evidentiary ruling, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1953: Clay Blanchard v. City of Des Moines
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, David Nelmark, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED. Heard by Tabor, C.J., and Ahlers and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (8 pages)
The plaintiff appeals from the district court’s order dismissing his negligence petition against the defendant for failure to allege that the law on which the lawsuit is based is “clearly established.” OPINION HOLDS: Finding the plaintiff’s petition specifically pleaded and set forth clearly established claims, we reverse and remand for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
Case No. 24-0044: Boese v. Polk County
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Robert B. Hanson, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND REMANDED FOR FURTHER PROCEEDINGS. Heard by Greer, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (7 pages)
A plaintiff appeals from dismissal of her petition alleging public-records violations against a county and county supervisor. OPINION HOLDS: The dismissal of claims alleging violations of the county’s policy was unchallenged for purposes of this litigation and we affirm their dismissal. But the district court’s ruling does not explain why it dismissed the alleged statutory violations and we decline to decide that question in the first instance on appeal. We affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand for further proceedings.
Case No. 24-0099: Joseph S. Gipson, Jr. v. Deena D. Gibbs
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Patrick A. McElyea, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (12 pages)
A mother appeals from a modification ruling placing physical care of her child with the father. She challenges the district court’s weighing of the evidence and pertinent factors, contests an underlying juvenile‑court ruling, and seeks attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: Based largely on the district court’s credibility findings and the mother’s failure to preserve error on her evidentiary complaints, we affirm and deny the mother’s request for attorney fees.
Case No. 24-0100: In re Marriage of Mau
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Patrick A. McElyea, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (18 pages)
A former husband appeals the denial of his petition to modify legal custody and physical care concerning a minor child, the admissibility of evidence below, and the division of assets of retirement accounts and proceeds after the sale of the marital home. OPINION HOLDS: Finding the former spouses can no longer meaningfully coparent, the former husband did not meet his burden to prove he was the superior caretaker to receive physical care of the child, the district court properly limited admissible evidence to post-decree evidence, and sale proceeds of the home and retirement accounts were properly divided, we affirm and award the former wife appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 24-0229: In re the Marriage of Mueller
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Monica Zrinyi Ackley, Judge. ORDER VACATED AND REMANDED WITH INSTRUCTIONS. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (9 pages)
A father appeals the district court order modifying his child-support obligation under Iowa Code chapter 252H (2024). He contends that he did not receive a fair hearing and the court’s computation is not supported by the record. Both parents ask for appellate attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: After reviewing the record, we agree that the hearing was incomplete and the calculations are inaccurate. We thus vacate the modification order and remand for the court to recalculate the father’s child-support obligation after a full hearing. But we decline to award attorney fees to either party.
Case No. 24-0517: Juanita Lavery, Individually and as Administrator of The Estate of John Lavery, Chelsie Gohlmann, and Allison Lavery v. Steve Campbell
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, Jennifer Miller, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Greer, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (11 pages)
The Estate of John Lavery, his wife, and two daughters appeal the district court’s grant of summary judgment dismissing their gross-negligence claims against Lavery’s coworker, Steve Campbell, arising from Lavery’s death at work. OPINION HOLDS: Plaintiffs’ gross-negligence claims against Campbell fail because they have shown no evidence from which a jury could find that Campbell knew that Lavery’s injury was probable rather than just possible from the continued operation of the hydraulic motor test stand after another employee raised concerns to Campbell and Campbell successfully operated the test stand without incident. The district court correctly granted summary judgment to Campbell.
Case No. 24-0652: Sheryl Hermanstorfer v. Lennox Industries, Inc. and Indemnity Insurance Company of North America
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Lawrence P. McLellan, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (6 pages)
Lennox Industries, Inc. and Indemnity Insurance Company of North America appeal the district court’s ruling on judicial review, which reversed the workers’ compensation commissioner’s calculation of weekly benefits. OPINION HOLDS: Because the commissioner erred in its initial interpretation of Iowa Code section 85.36 (2019) and the district court was correct in reversing such misapplication, we affirm the district court’s ruling on judicial review.
Case No. 24-0680: In the Interest of B.C., Minor Child
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Boone County, Ashley Beisch, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (7 pages)
The mother petitioned to terminate the father’s parental rights to B.C., born in 2018, in a private termination action. The district court granted the petition on multiple grounds, which the father challenges on appeal. He argues he did not abandon the child or fail to financially contribute to the child without good cause. Both the mother and the child’s guardian ad litem filed appellate briefs in support of the district court’s decision. OPINION HOLDS: We conclude the father failed to financially contribute to B.C. without good cause. Because the father does not contest best interests, we affirm without discussing the second prong.
Case No. 24-0928: In re the Marriage of Young
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Patrick A. McElyea, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, C.J., and Ahlers and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (15 pages)
Nicole Monson appeals the district court’s dismissal of her petition to modify the child custody provisions of the decree dissolving her marriage to Matthew Young, arguing the court erred in (1) excluding and refusing to consider evidence arising prior to the entry of the decree; and (2) dismissing her petition as lacking sufficient evidence of a substantial change in circumstances. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, finding the district court did not abuse its discretion and properly dismissed Monson’s petition.
Case No. 24-1005: In the Interest of I.T., S.T., and T.T., Minor Children
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Susan Cox, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (4 pages)
The State requests a delayed appeal from an order terminating parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: Because we have no authority to grant the State a delayed appeal, we dismiss for lack of jurisdiction.
Case No. 24-1213: In the Interest of A.W., Minor Child
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie Couty, Scott Strait, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED WITH INSTRUCTIONS. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (12 pages)
The State appeals the juvenile court’s order removing the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services as guardian. OPINION HOLDS: Because the juvenile court abused its discretion in removing the department as guardian, we reverse and remand with instructions to reappoint the department as guardian of the child.
Case No. 24-1242: In the Interest of K.W., Minor Child
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Brent Pattison, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., Sandy, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Potterfield, S.J. (6 pages)
The juvenile court terminated the father’s parental rights to K.W., born in 2020, pursuant to Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(f) and (l) (2024). The father appeals, arguing (1) the State did not prove the statutory grounds for termination, in part because the reduction of visitation in the two months leading up to the termination trial constitutes a failure to make reasonable efforts to reunify; (2) the loss of his rights is not in K.W.’s best interests; (3) multiple permissive factors in section 232.116(3) preclude termination; and (4) alternatively, the juvenile court should have established a guardianship in the paternal grandmother instead of terminating his rights. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the termination of the father’s parental rights.
Case No. 24-1271: In the Interest of G.G., Minor Child
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Keokuk County, Patrick Mcavan, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (13 pages)
A mother appeals the removal, adjudicatory, and dispositional orders arising from allegations of medical child abuse. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, finding the statutory requirements for adjudicating the child as in need of assistance were met, and the juvenile court made the least restrictive disposition appropriate considering all the circumstances of the case.
Case No. 24-1321: In the Interest of B.L., Minor Child
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Lynn Poschner, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (6 pages)
The juvenile court terminated the mother’s parental rights to B.L., born in 2020, pursuant to Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(e), (g), and (h) (2024). The mother appeals, purporting to challenge two of the three statutory grounds, arguing the loss of her rights is not in B.L.’s best interests, and claiming an additional six months would remedy the need for removal. In the alternative, the mother maintains the juvenile court should have resolved the child-in-need-of-assistance case via a bridge order transferring jurisdiction to the district court, which could then enter a custody order, thereby avoiding termination. OPINION HOLDS: After considering the mother’s arguments and reviewing the record, we affirm the termination of her parental rights.
Case No. 24-1348: In the Interest of L.T., Minor Child
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Wapello County, Richelle Mahaffey, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (11 pages)
The mother appeals from a juvenile court order terminating her parental rights. She challenges each of the steps in our termination analysis and the court’s denial of her request for more time. OPINION HOLDS: Due to the mother’s long history of using methamphetamine, we find the child could not be returned to her care at the time of the termination hearing and termination is in the child’s best interests. Even though the mother and child shared a close bond, and the mother had recently obtained sobriety, we agree with the juvenile court’s decision to not apply a statutory exception to termination and denial of the mother’s request for additional time.
Case No. 24-1478: In the Interest of A.D., Minor Child
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Muscatine County, Gary P. Strausser, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (11 pages)
A mother appeals the entry of a bridge order, arguing (1) the district court was required to have subject-matter jurisdiction over the child prior to the entry of the bridge order transferring jurisdiction from the juvenile court; and (2) the juvenile court lacked subject-matter jurisdiction over the child to enter the bridge order. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, finding (1) the district court was not required to have subject-matter jurisdiction to effect the transfer of jurisdiction over the child from the juvenile court; and (2) the juvenile court continued to have subject-matter jurisdiction over the child to enter the bridge order.
Case No. 24-1507: In the Interest of A.G., E.G., T.G., C.O., C.P., I.P., I.P., S.P., and T.P., Minor Children
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Appanoose County, Richelle Mahaffey, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Langholz, P.J., Sandy, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Doyle, S.J. (9 pages)
A mother and father separately appeal the adjudicatory and disposition orders in the children in need of assistance (CINA) proceeding. OPINION HOLDS: Substantial evidence supports the grounds for the CINA adjudication and the children’s removal.
Case No. 24-1517: In the Interest of A.H., Minor Child
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Montgomery County, Justin R. Wyatt, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Buller, P.J., Langholz, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Vogel, S.J. (8 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her four-year-old child. OPINION HOLDS: The mother’s ongoing drug use, inability to demonstrate she can safely parent her child, and failure to progress beyond fully supervised visits show the child could not have been immediately returned to her custody at the time of the termination hearing. Because termination is in the child’s best interest and the mother has not shown that any impediments to termination, we affirm.
Case No. 24-1544: In the Interest of B.R., Minor Child
Filed Dec 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Wapello County, Richelle Mahaffey, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Langholz, J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Carr, S.J. (9 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights with respect to her son, pursuant to Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(e), (f), and (l) (2024). OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the termination of the mother’s parental rights to the child.
Case No. 22-1993: Kevin Willie McGee, Jr. v. State of Iowa
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dallas County, Michael Jacobsen, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (9 pages)
A postconviction applicant appeals the denial of relief, asserting ineffective assistance of trial and appellate counsel, newly discovered evidence, and actual innocence. OPINION HOLDS: Finding the applicant did not prove counsel was ineffective, the evidence at issue is merely impeaching, and the applicant cannot meet the high evidentiary burden of proof for actual innocence, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0944: Locher & Davis, PLC v. Ruth F. Woller Revocable Trust
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Laura Parrish, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Langholz, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Langholz, J. Dissent by Vogel, S.J. (16 pages)
The Ruth F. Woller Revocable Trust appeals the orders denying its motion for an extension of time to respond to Locher & Davis PLC’s request for admissions and its post-judgment motion to dismiss the petition for lack of service. OPINION HOLDS: Under our deferential standard of review, we cannot say that the district court abused its discretion in denying the trust’s extension request. And the court did not err in denying the motion to dismiss filed after the entry of summary judgment—at that point, the case was complete and it was too late to seek dismissal of the suit. DISSENT ASSERTS: Because the nonlawyer trustee may not represent the trust in this civil action, I would not reach the merits and instead dismiss this unauthorized appeal.
Case No. 23-1030: Jason Mathew Curtis v. State of Iowa
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Terry Rickers, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS ON APPEAL; AFFIRMED ON CROSS-APPEAL. Heard by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (25 pages)
The State appeals a district court finding of ineffective assistance of counsel. Postconviction-relief applicant Jason Curtis cross-appeals, asserting the district court incorrectly decided his claims of actual innocence and prosecutorial misconduct. OPINION HOLDS: We reverse the district court’s ruling on the State’s appeal, finding that Curtis did not meet his burden to prove a breach of duty on the ineffective-assistance claim upon which he was granted relief. We remand for the district court to consider the remaining ineffective-assistance claims it did not previously address. We affirm on Curtis’s cross-appeal, finding the court properly rejected his claims of actual innocence and a due process violation based on prosecutorial misconduct.
Case No. 23-1050: John Berman v. Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Paul D. Scott, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Gamble, S.J., takes no part. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (3 pages)
John Berman, a California resident, appeals the denial of his motion to reopen a civil cause of action alleging extortion and his motion to disqualify the judge who denied that motion. OPINION HOLDS: On our review, we adopt the district court’s rationale on the issues presented. Iowa courts lack authority to consider Berman’s extortion claim because none of the alleged conduct occurred in this state. Berman alleged no new facts in the motion to reopen that would change that reality. And the record shows no cause for disqualification of the judge. A full opinion would not augment or clarify existing law. Thus, we affirm without further opinion under Iowa Court Rule 21.26(1)(d) and (e).
Case No. 23-1096: State of Iowa v. Jackson Christopher Eugene Calaway
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Heather Lauber, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., Sandy, J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Carr, S.J. (5 pages)
A defendant appeals his convictions for interference with official acts with a weapon, pursuant to Iowa Code section 719.1(1)(f) (2023), and person ineligible to carry a dangerous weapon, pursuant to section 724.8B, arguing the State presented insufficient evidence that he was in possession of a dangerous weapon. OPINION HOLDS: Finding there was sufficient evidence to convict on both counts, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1232: South Central Iowa Landfill Agency v. Elliott J. Corwin, Tassie L. Corwin and All Parties in Possession
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Madison County, Randy Hefner, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, J.J. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (17 pages)
Defendants appeal the district court’s award of ownership to the South Central Iowa Landfill Agency by adverse possession. They challenge the district court’s conclusion that the action to quiet title was not barred by a statute of limitations and the district court’s finding that certain elements of adverse possession were satisfied. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1474: In re Detention of David Anthony Yingling
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Mark Fowler, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (8 pages)
David Yingling appeals his civil commitment as a sexually violent predator under Iowa Code chapter 229A (2023). Yingling challenges the sufficiency of the evidence produced by the State to show he “suffers from a mental abnormality” making him “likely to engage in predatory acts constituting sexually violent offenses if he is not confined to a secure facility.” OPINION HOLDS: We determine sufficient evidence supports the civil commitment and affirm.
Case No. 23-1504: Brooke Carter v. Municipal Fire and Police Retirement System of Iowa
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Coleman McAllister, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., Badding, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Badding, J. (13 pages)
Brooke Carter, a former police sergeant, appeals a district court ruling on certiorari affirming the finding by the board of trustees for the Municipal Fire and Police Retirement System of Iowa that she is not entitled to accidental disability benefits for a mental injury. OPINION HOLDS: The proper standard to review Iowa Code chapter 411 (2022) accidental disability benefits for mental injuries is the legal causation standard outlined in the Cornish-Moon cases until our supreme court holds otherwise. Under that standard, we find there is substantial evidence to support the board’s decision denying Carter accidental disability benefits.
Case No. 23-1555: State of Iowa v. Iowa District Court for Polk County
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Coleman McAllister, Judge. WRIT ANNULLED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., Badding, J., and Mullins, S.J. Opinion by Mullins, S.J. (13 pages)
The State appeals the district court’s ruling placing David Stumbo in transitional release from sexually violent predator commitment. The sole question on appeal is whether, under Iowa Code chapter 229A (2023), the court could hear evidence and recommendations from Stumbo about his placement after it determined he violated his release plan. OPINION HOLDS: We find the State has not met its burden to prove the district court acted illegally. The writ is annulled.
Case No. 23-1774: Cornelius Tyrone Brown v. State of Iowa
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Joel Dalrymple, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Langholz, J., and Carr, S.J. Buller, J., takes no part. Opinion by Langholz, J. (8 pages)
Cornelius Brown appeals the denial of postconviction relief from his second-degree sexual assault conviction. He argues that he received ineffective assistance of counsel because his counsel should have subpoenaed documents and interviewed two witnesses to more accurately portray his relationship with the victim. OPINION HOLDS: Brown has not shown that any overlooked evidence would have moved the needle toward reasonable doubt. None of the identified documents relate to, let alone contradict, the evidence showing Brown performed a sex act against the victim’s will using force creating a substantial risk of death or serious injury. Worse, his two witnesses both contradicted his trial testimony, which would have damaged his defense and credibility. So regardless of whether defense counsel breached an essential duty, Brown has not shown a reasonable probability of a different outcome in his trial.
Case No. 23-1906: State of Iowa v. Ericka Lynn Rankins
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Lawrence P. McLellan, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (6 pages)
Following the death of her five-year-old son, Ericka Rankins pleaded guilty to six misdemeanor counts of child endangerment and three felony counts of neglect of a dependent person. For those nine offenses, the district court sentenced her to a prison term not to exceed thirty-two years. She appeals that sentence, contending that probation was a better option given her history of trauma and mental-health struggles. OPINION HOLDS: Because the district court did not abuse its discretion in choosing incarceration based on the “separate and serious nature of each of the offenses,” we affirm the sentence.
Case No. 23-1915: In re the Marriage of Kincel
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Mahaska County, Joel D. Yates, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (6 pages)
A former husband appeals the decree dissolving his marriage. He alleges the district court abused its discretion in disallowing relevant evidence, incorrectly waived mediation, relied on false testimony of the former wife, unfairly ordered temporary spousal support, and abused its discretion during trial. OPINION HOLDS: While we are unable to reach several of these claims due to lack of error preservation or waiver, we address those we can and find no grounds to reverse or modify the district court’s decree. We affirm.
Case No. 23-2063: Anchor Bay II Owner's Assoc. v. WOHLOA, Inc.
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dickinson County, Nancy L. Whittenburg, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (8 pages)
WOHLOA, Inc. appeals after the district court granted summary judgment in favor of Anchor Bay II Owner’s Association. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find summary judgment was proper on one issue and WOHLOA failed to preserve error on another, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0128: State of Iowa v. Randy Lee Nibaur
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Floyd County, Blake H. Norman and DeDra Schroeder, Judges. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (8 pages)
Randy Nibaur appeals his conviction for sexual abuse in the third degree in violation of Iowa Code section 709.4(1)(b)(2)(d) (2021). On appeal, he argues his conviction should be reversed because (1) there exists no factual basis for his guilty plea; and (2) he did not knowingly plead guilty. Additionally, he argues the district court abused its discretion by sentencing him to a prison term. OPINION HOLDS: Because we do not have authority to reach the merits of Nibaur’s challenges to his guilty plea, we affirm his conviction. Additionally, we find no abuse of discretion in the district court’s sentencing decision.
Case No. 24-0219: Senahid Becirovic and Hajreta Becirovic v. Nedzad Malic and Aisa Malic
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dallas County, David Faith, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND REMANDED WITH INSTRUCTIONS. Heard by Tabor, C.J., Sandy, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Bower, S.J. (22 pages)
In this consolidated appeal, Nedzad and Aisa Malic challenge the district court’s orders granting judgment in favor of homeowners Senahid and Hajreta Becirovic on the Becirovics’ claims of breach of oral contract and violation of the consumer protection code and awarding attorney fees and costs. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand with instructions.
Case No. 24-0430: Catherine Smith v. Chad Ragan
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Muscatine County, Stuart P. Werling, Judge. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (11 pages)
Chad Ragan appeals the custody order awarding primary physical care of his seven-year-old son, T.R., to the child’s mother. He argues that the district court erred in not awarding joint physical care. As a fallback position, he contends that his visitation should be increased. OPINION HOLDS: In our de novo review, we agree with the district court’s assessment that it is in T.R.’s best interests to have a more predictable schedule than he has navigated under his parents’ shared-care arrangement. But because the parents agree that T.R. would benefit from more time with his father, we modify the custody order to expand Ragan’s parenting time.
Case No. 24-0705: State of Iowa v. Thomas Dean Jesse
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Andrew Chappell, Judge. SENTENCE VACATED IN PART AND REMANDED FOR ENTRY OF CORRECTED SENTENCE. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (6 pages)
A defendant appeals the surcharge and fine imposed on his conviction for lascivious acts with a child. OPINION HOLDS: We find that the $90 surcharge is an illegal sentence in violation of the ex post facto clauses of the federal and state constitutions and remand for entry of a corrected sentence. The $1025 fine imposed is within the statutory limits of the statute in effect at the commission of the crime, therefore the district court did not abuse its discretion.
Case No. 24-0710: In the Interest of Z.C., S.C., and E.C., Minor Children
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Mark C. Cord III, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (8 pages)
A father appeals termination of his parental rights to three children. OPINIONS HOLDS: Under controlling case law, we have appellate jurisdiction over the untimely petition on appeal. We find sufficient evidence supporting the statutory elements of a ground for termination and the other claims sprinkled in the father’s petition are waived. We affirm.
Case No. 24-0759: In the Interest of K.R., Minor Child
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Des Moines County, Jennifer S. Bailey, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Ahlers and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (13 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her two-year-old son. She contends the juvenile court erred in finding that the State proved the statutory grounds for termination, termination is in the child’s best interests, a statutory exception does not apply, an extension is unwarranted, and the State made reasonable efforts to reunite them. OPINION HOLDS: On our de novo review of the record, we find that despite substantial progress and demonstrated sobriety, the mother continues to display poor judgment when it comes to the company she keeps. She also continues to mislead service providers and the court about her contact with people who pose a risk of domestic violence and drug use. So despite two and half years of services, the mother is unable to care for her son safely. We affirm the decision of the juvenile court.
Case No. 24-1060: In the Interest of M.W., Minor Child
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Scott Strait, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Ahlers and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (9 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights with respect to her daughter, pursuant to Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(e), (h), and (l) (2024). She argues (1) there was not clear and convincing evidence supporting the grounds for termination, (2) the court improperly declined to apply an exception to avoid termination, and (3) she should have been granted additional time to work towards reunification. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the termination of the mother’s parental rights to the child.
Case No. 24-1187: In the Interest of P.C., Minor Child
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Fayette County, Linnea M.N. Nicol, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Ahlers and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (9 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her son, arguing statutory grounds, best interests, and reasonable efforts claims. She also asks for an extension. OPINION HOLDS: After reviewing these four claims, we find no basis for relief. Instead, clear and convincing evidence shows that the grip of the mother’s methamphetamine addiction prevents safe parenting.
Case No. 24-1263: In the Interest of L.E. and L.E.
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Warren County, Mark F. Schlenker, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (8 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: On our de novo review, we conclude termination of the mother’s parental rights is in the children’s best interests and an extension of time on these facts is unwarranted. And we decline to apply either of the permissive exceptions urged by the mother to preclude termination.
Case No. 24-1342: In the Interest of L.S. and K.S., Minor Children
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Cheryl E. Traum, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (8 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of parental rights of her two sons. OPINION HOLDS: The mother challenges only one of the four independent statutory grounds for termination relied on by the juvenile court, so we could not reverse on that basis and do not reach the merits of her argument. Her challenge to the juvenile court’s best-interests determination fails on the merits. The mother’s failure to follow through on substance-use training, the need for permanency in the sons’ life, and the positive environment of the sons’ foster care home all show that termination is in the best interests of the sons.
Case No. 24-1409: In the Interest of C.K. and C.K., Minor Children
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Charles D. Fagan, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (9 pages)
A mother and father separately appeal the termination of their parental rights to their children, born in 2020 and 2022. Both contend the State failed to prove the grounds for termination cited by the district court, termination is not in the children’s best interests due to the bonds they share with the children, and the State did not engage in reasonable efforts to reunite them with the children. The father also requests additional time to work toward reunification. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm both appeals.
Case No. 24-1442: In the Interest of L.A. and O.A., Minor Children
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dallas County, Virginia Cobb, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (8 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her two daughters. OPINION HOLDS: The State proved by clear and convincing evidence the girls could not be returned to the mother’s custody at the time of the termination hearing. Indeed, in nearly a year and a half, the mother never completed substance-use treatment and tested positive for methamphetamine a month before the hearing. And her neglect and substance use has caused difficulties for the girls—requiring reliable care and support that the mother is unable to provide.
Case No. 24-1460: In the Interest of H.S., Minor Child
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Linda M. Fangman, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Ahlers and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (6 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. She implicitly challenges one of the two statutory grounds for termination, argues termination is not in the child’s best interests, and requests additional time to work toward reunification. OPINION HOLDS: As the mother does not challenge one of the statutory grounds for termination, her challenge under that ground is waived. Termination is in the child’s best interests. We do not grant the mother any additional time to work toward reunification.
Case No. 24-1485: In the Interest of K.J., Minor Child
Filed Nov 13, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Daniel L. Block, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (8 pages)
J.W. appeals the termination of his parental rights to K.J., contending a six‑month extension should have been granted. OPINION HOLDS: Because the need for removal will still exist after six months, we decline to grant an extension and affirm termination of J.W.’s parental rights to K.J.
Case No. 23-0143: State of Iowa v. Leon Dean Bearshield
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, James N. Daane, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (6 pages)
A jury found Leon Bearshield guilty of child endangerment causing bodily injury. On appeal, Bearshield maintains he was denied his constitutional right to testify; he asks us to reverse his conviction and remand for new trial. The State characterizes the issue differently, noting Bearshield had the opportunity to present a defense—including his own testimony—during his case-in-chief and chose not to do so Thus, the State maintains the appropriate question on appeal is whether the district court abused its discretion in denying Bearshield’s motion to reopen the record—not whether the court prevented Bearshield from exercising his constitutional right to testify. OPINION HOLDS: We agree with the State that the issue properly before us is whether the district court abused its discretion in denying Bearshield’s motion to reopen the record. Following our review, we find no abuse of discretion and affirm.
Case No. 23-0373: Chad Leroy Wilson v. State of Iowa
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Mills County, Richard H. Davidson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Langholz, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Vogel, S.J. (8 pages)
A criminal defendant appeals the denial of postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: Wilson’s trial and appellate counsel did not breach any essential duties by not objecting to the State’s experts or the burden of proof during the criminal trial, and Wilson’s insufficient briefing on appeal waives his ineffective-assistance arguments relating to his life sentences. We therefore affirm the PCR court.
Case No. 23-0449: State of Iowa v. Steven Eugene Kroll
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Monona County, Tod Deck, Judge. CONVICTIONS AFFIRMED, SENTENCE VACATED IN PART, AND REMANDED FOR FURTHER PROCEEDINGS. Heard by Greer, P.J., Langholz, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Gamble, S.J. (25 pages)
A criminal defendant contests the exclusion of evidence under Iowa Rule of Evidence 5.412, asserts the district court erred in denying his request for a voluntary-participation instruction, challenges the sufficiency of the evidence for one offense, and claims the district court exceeded its authority in sentencing. OPINION HOLDS: We find the district court did not abuse its discretion by excluding the evidence under rule 5.412 or in denying his requested instruction, and sufficient evidence supports the conviction of sexual exploitation of a minor. We sever and vacate part of the sentence and remand for entry of a corrected sentencing order.
Case No. 23-0617: John James Berwanger v. State of Iowa
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Kellyann M. Lekar, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (12 pages)
Berwanger moves for postconviction relief on two claims of ineffective assistance of counsel. The appellant claims that his trial counsel was ineffective because trial counsel did not impeach the complaining child witness and failed to object to vouching testimony. OPINION HOLDS: We find that the inconsistencies between the child’s trial testimony, deposition, and CPC interview were minor and unlikely to change the outcome of the case. In addition, the testimony of the expert witness did not rise to the level of vouching testimony. We affirm on both grounds.
Case No. 23-0625: State of Iowa v. Ishmael Shabazz Carter
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Valerie L. Clay, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Ahlers, P.J., Sandy, J., and Telleen, S.J. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (11 pages)
Ishmael Carter challenges the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his convictions for arson in the first degree and five counts of attempted murder. He argues the State failed to present sufficient evidence establishing he was the person who set an apartment on fire and intended to cause the death of the apartment’s occupants. OPINION HOLDS: The State provided substantial evidence establishing identity and intent.
Case No. 23-0671: William Paul Roland v. State of Iowa
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Scott J. Beattie, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., Badding, J., and Carr, S.J. Buller, J., takes no part. Opinion by Carr, S.J. (8 pages)
William Roland appeals from the district court’s denial of his application for postconviction relief (PCR) related to his criminal conviction in Polk County, arguing his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to object to the lack of unanimity in the charge and jury verdict and failing to consult experts for his defense. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the district court’s denial of Roland’s application for PCR.
Case No. 23-0743: State of Iowa v. Angres Kau
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Margaret Reyes, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Badding, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Danilson, S.J. (7 pages)
Angres Kau appeals his conviction for attempted murder after he stabbed his wife. He argues he could not form the required specific intent due to his intoxication. OPINION HOLDS: The State established substantial evidence that Kau had the ability to form specific intent and had the specific intent to kill his wife when he stabbed her in the back with a knife.
Case No. 23-0974: Cincinnati Insurance Company and Brown's Heavy Equipment v. Skyler McKasson
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, John J. Haney, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (10 pages)
Skyler McKasson appeals the district court’s declaratory judgment that an employee of Brown’s Heavy Equipment did not have consent to drive Brown’s truck when it was in an accident with McKasson and thus that Brown’s is not liable under Iowa Code section 321.493(2)(a) (2021) and the employee was uninsured by Cincinnati Insurance Company. OPINION HOLDS: This declaratory judgment action was tried to the court at law—not in equity. So we review only for corrections of errors at law—not de novo as urged by McKasson. Thus, the district court’s factual findings are binding on us if supported by substantial evidence. Because we agree that substantial evidence supports the district court’s finding that the employee lacked consent to drive Brown’s truck, we affirm the court’s declaratory judgment.
Case No. 23-1039: Inmate Calling Solutions, LLC v. Iowa Communications Network
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Coleman McCallister, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. Langholz, J., takes no part. (12 pages)
Inmate Calling Solutions, LLC appeals from the district court’s denial of its application for judicial review of an agency proceeding. OPINION HOLDS: Inmate Calling Solutions waived its statutory-authority challenges by not raising them before submitting a bid. The parties involved did not violate the terms of the request for proposal. The decision to issue the notice of intent to a competitor of Inmate Calling Solutions was not arbitrary and capricious, without a rational basis, or an abuse of discretion.
Case No. 23-1086: State of Iowa v. Tony Wayne Hyde
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Heather Lauber, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., Buller, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Doyle, S.J. (3 pages)
Tony Hyde appeals his conviction for second-degree murder. OPINION HOLDS: The district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Hyde’s motion for new trial. The weight of the evidence does not show that Hyde was justified based on the severity of the beating he administered to an unconscious victim. And Hyde’s voluntary intoxication cannot reduce a charge of second-degree murder, which does not require proof of specific intent.
Case No. 23-1170: State of Iowa v. Carlton Douglas Jr.
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Clinton County, John Telleen and Patrick A. McElyea, Judges. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. Telleen, S.J., takes no part. (5 pages)
Carlton Douglas appeals his convictions for first-degree murder and possession of a firearm as a felon. He alleges that two jury instructions misstated the law on self-defense and the two charges should have been severed for trial. He also urges that his appeal is a candidate for plain-error review. OPINION HOLDS: Douglas’s trial counsel did not preserve error on either issue. And we can no longer consider claims of ineffective assistance of counsel on direct appeal. Finally, we cannot overrule supreme court precedent to adopt plain-error review. So, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1220: Amie Villarini v. Iowa City Community School District
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Andrew Chappell, Judge. AFFIRMED ON APPEAL AND CROSS-APPEAL. Heard by Greer, P.J., Langholz, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Langholz, J. (15 pages)
A former high school tennis coach, Amie Villarini, appeals a summary judgment ruling dismissing her defamation and wrongful-discharge claims against the Iowa City Community School District arising out of the school district’s online publication of an unabridged video of a public school board meeting, during which two students made purportedly defamatory statements about her. The school district cross-appeals the denial of its motion to amend its answer to assert a qualified-immunity defense. OPINION HOLDS: The fair-report privilege defeats Villarini’s defamation claim against the school district because the video recording is an accurate and complete report of an official proceeding. Villarini’s common-law wrongful-discharge-in-violation-of-public-policy claim fails because she has not identified a clearly defined public policy. And because the district court properly granted summary judgment on the defamation claim, the school district’s motion to amend its answer to raise an additional qualified-immunity defense was properly denied as moot.
Case No. 23-1224: In re the Marriage of Anderson
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Mills County, Greg W. Steensland, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Greer, P.J., Buller, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (17 pages)
Nicholas Anderson challenges the decree dissolving his marriage to Molly Anderson. He argues (1) the parties premarital agreement was valid and should have been enforced; (2) the parties should have been awarded joint legal custody instead of giving Molly sole legal custody; (3) the children have been placed in his physical care instead of Molly’s; (4) the district court abused its discretion in ordering him to pay Molly’s attorney fees and, instead, should have ordered Molly to pay his attorney fees; and (5) Molly should be required to pay his appellate attorney fees. Molly asks that we affirm the dissolution decree and award her appellate attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: Following our review of the property distribution, award of legal custody, award of physical care, and the order that Nicholas pay $30,000 of Molly’s attorney fees, we affirm. We decline to award either party appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-1248: In the Matter of Property Seized for Forfeiture from Darrell Anthony Jones
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Wapello County, Greg Milani, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, C.J., and Ahlers and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (17 pages)
Darrell Jones appeals the district court’s combined forfeiture order forfeiting over $85,000 in U.S. currency seized during two separate searches of his residence. On appeal, he argues that (1) there was insufficient evidence that all the currency forfeited were the proceeds of marijuana trafficking; (2) the forfeitures violated the Excessive Fine Clauses of the state and federal constitutions; and (3) the district court lacked subject matter jurisdiction over one of the forfeiture actions. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the ruling of the district court, finding that (1) substantial evidence supported the district court’s finding the currency seized during the two searches were proceeds of marijuana trafficking; (2) error was not preserved on Jones’s Excessive Fine Clause arguments; and (3) Jones’s subject matter jurisdiction claim is really a challenge to the district court’s authority, which was waived because it was not raised in the district court.
Case No. 23-1308: John Dostart v. Columbia Insurance Group
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Coleman McAllister, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Langholz, J. (14 pages)
Columbia Insurance Group appeals an interlocutory order of the district court denying its motion for summary judgment on John and Deena Dostart’s claim under Iowa Code section 516.1 (2022) for payment of an unsatisfied consumer-fraud judgment against the company’s insureds who constructed the Dostarts’ new home. Columbia argues the judgment is not covered by the commercial-general-liability insurance policy because: (1) the consumer fraud was not an occurrence under the policy; (2) the consumer fraud fell within the intentional-act exclusion of the policy; and (3) the judgment was not because of property damage. OPINION HOLDS: This summary-judgment record lacks sufficient evidence to hold that the insurance policy Columbia issued does not cover the consumer-fraud judgment entered in favor of the Dostarts. The jury verdict, jury instructions, and judgment entry are not enough to show as a matter of law that the judgment was based on intentional conduct that falls outside the definition of occurrence or within the intentional-act exclusion to the insurance policy nor evidence that the judgment was not from property damage.
Case No. 23-1436: Williamson v. State
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Ian K. Thornhill, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (4 pages)
Cecil Williamson Jr. appeals the dismissal of his petition. We agree with the district court that Williamson failed to state a civil claim for which relief could be granted. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no legal error in the district court’s decision, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1449: Jon Arthur Dieckmann v. State of Iowa
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Mark Fowler, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (14 pages)
After a jury found him guilty of attempted burglary in the second degree and possession of burglar’s tools, Jon Dieckmann appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief. He claims that his trial counsel was ineffective in four ways: (1) by not introducing evidence that he purchased business cards to show he was soliciting jobs as a handyman; (2) by not moving for mistrial after the homeowner testified to inadmissible hearsay; (3) by not objecting to the marshaling instruction for attempted burglary in the second degree; and (4) through cumulative error. OPINION HOLDS: After our de novo review, we find that denial of relief was proper on all four claims. So, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1462: State of Iowa v. Anthony Hernandez
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Cass County, Margaret Reyes, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (5 pages)
Anthony Hernandez appeals his judgment and sentence after he pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance. He raises seven errors of the district court. OPINION HOLDS: We address the sentencing errors and affirm. But the other errors go to his guilty plea. Although we have jurisdiction, we lack authority to hear those claims. So we affirm the judgment and sentence.
Case No. 23-1538: Boniface Ngwangwa v. Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., and Garry Spencer
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Joel Dalrymple, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED. Heard by Tabor, C.J., Ahlers, J., and Telleen, S.J. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (14 pages)
An employee appeals the district court’s grant of summary judgment to the employer on his national-origin discrimination claim finding his agency complaint was emailed untimely. OPINION HOLDS: Because the Iowa Civil Rights Commission’s rules setting an emailing deadline of 4:30 p.m. improperly trimmed the 300-day window for filing complaints under the Iowa Civil Rights Act, we reverse the dismissal and remand for further proceedings.
Case No. 23-1611: Belz v. State
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Elizabeth Dupuich, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, C.J., Ahlers, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (10 pages)
Parents of a deceased University of Iowa student assert claims against the State stemming from the student’s death from hypothermia during a polar vortex. They appeal an order granting summary judgment in the State’s favor. They argue that the district court incorrectly concluded that discretionary-function immunity applies to this action, and they argue that the district court abused its discretion when it struck an expert report filed after the deadline because it was a supplemental report. OPINION HOLDS: We elect to affirm on an alternate basis urged by the State and conclude that the parents failed to generate a question of material fact relating to factual causation. We also conclude that the district court did not abuse its discretion when it struck the expert report because it was not a supplemental report and it was untimely.
Case No. 23-1613: Willian Edgar Burton, III v. State of Iowa
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, David Nelmark, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Schumacher and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (9 pages)
William Burton III appeals the district court’s denial of his application for postconviction relief following his 2019 conviction for second-degree robbery. Burton claims his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to object to an improper jury instruction. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1638: State of Iowa v. Michael Lee Young
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Becky Goettsch, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (5 pages)
A defendant appeals his sentence, asserting an abuse of discretion by the district court. OPINION HOLDS: We ascertain no abuse of discretion in the district court’s sentencing decision and affirm.
Case No. 23-1669: State of Iowa v. Shawn Alvin Krug
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Kossuth County, Ann M. Gales, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (4 pages)
Shawn Krug appeals his convictions on speedy trial grounds. OPINION HOLDS: Because speedy trial was tolled pending Krug’s competency evaluation, we find no abuse of discretion in the district court’s order denying Krug’s motion to dismiss.
Case No. 23-1694: Lynn Mary Staats and Stanley Edgar Staats v. Richard Drew Yotter
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Louisa County, Clinton Boddicker, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, C.J., Ahlers, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (15 pages)
Orchard owners Lynn and Stanley Staats sued neighboring farmer Richard Yotter for negligence and trespass. The jury found for Yotter on both claims, and the district court denied the Staatses’ motion for new trial. The Staatses appeal, arguing that the district court erred by (1) excluding a warning letter the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship sent to Yotter and (2) allowing the jury to view an electronic exhibit during deliberations. OPINION HOLDS: We find no error in the district court’s exclusion of the warning letter on hearsay grounds and no abuse of discretion in its decision to allow the jury to view the exhibit on a “clean” laptop. So, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1739: State of Iowa v. Benjamin James Work
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Harrison County, Margaret Reyes, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND REMANDED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (16 pages)
A defendant appeals from his convictions for sexual exploitation by a school employee, lascivious conduct with a minor, and indecent contact with a child. He claims (1) the sexual exploitation convictions involving the victims in counts five, nine, and sixteen “were not supported by evidence of inappropriate touching”; (2) none of the convictions for lascivious conduct with a minor were supported by proof that the victims were never married; (3) the age element was not established for the indecent contact conviction in count three; and (4) the district court abused its discretion by not allowing Work to cross-examine a victim “with specific instances of conduct relating to her character for truthfulness.” OPINION HOLDS: On our review of Work’s claims, we conclude (1) the evidence was sufficient to convince a rational trier of fact that Work was guilty of sexual exploitation in the challenged counts; (2) the statute criminalizing lascivious conduct with a minor does not require proof of the minor’s marital status; (3) the State concedes the victim for the indecent contact conviction in count three was not a “child,” and we agree; and (4) the claimed evidentiary error is harmless as the defendant still elicited testimony about the witness’s character for truthfulness.
Case No. 23-1780: State of Iowa v. Samuel Gurisho Kabo
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Jasper County, William A. Price, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (7 pages)
Samuel Gurisho Kabo appeals his conviction after a jury found him guilty of eluding. OPINION HOLDS: Because the court did not err in its jury instructions ruling and substantial evidence supports Kabo’s conviction, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1785: State of Iowa v. Evan Blake Wooten
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Tamra Roberts, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (9 pages)
A defendant appeals his conviction for domestic abuse assault, arguing the evidence was insufficient to establish he and his victim were “family or household members,” which was defined to the jury as “persons cohabiting with each other.” OPINION HOLDS: Because we find substantial evidence supports the jury’s finding of cohabitation, we affirm the defendant’s conviction.
Case No. 23-1856: In re Estate of Nagel
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Webster County, Kurt J. Stoebe, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (12 pages)
Lori Painter appeals the district court’s order denying her motion to intervene and motion for appointment as co-administrator of the Estate of Jeffery Nagel. Painter challenges the court’s finding she had failed to prove she was Nagel’s common-law wife. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1876: Isaih Christopher Fankhauser v. Anneliese Kistler
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, David Porter, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (8 pages)
A father appeals the district court’s order granting the mother physical care of their child. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our de novo review, we affirm the district court’s order awarding the mother physical care.
Case No. 23-1891: State of Iowa v. Garret James Wassom
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Clay County, Andrew Smith, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED IN PART AND AFFIRMED IN PART. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (7 pages)
Garret Wassom directly appeals three misdemeanor convictions, challenging whether five exhibits were improperly excluded from trial. OPINION HOLDS: Wassom has no right to directly appeal his two simple misdemeanor convictions. And even treating his filings here as an application for discretionary review, Wassom received substantial justice, so we deny discretionary review and dismiss his appeals from the simple assault convictions for lack of jurisdiction. Wassom failed to preserve error on his constitutional evidentiary arguments challenging the third conviction. And the district court did not abuse its discretion when excluding the exhibits as irrelevant—that the victim may have briefly interacted with Wassom two, five, or eight months after the event does not make any material fact relating to false imprisonment more or less probable.
Case No. 23-1907: Jacob Monroe Cullum v. State of Iowa
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Webster County, Adria Kester, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (6 pages)
After pleading guilty to two drug charges and a related weapons charge, Jacob Cullum appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief (PCR). He claims his counsel was ineffective for not moving to suppress evidence found during a warrantless search of his car. OPINION HOLDS: Because the search was justified under the automobile exception to the warrant requirement, counsel had no duty to file a meritless motion. Thus, we affirm the PCR ruling.
Case No. 23-1950: State of Iowa v. Alfred Ali Mohammad Younes
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Jason A. Burns, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (4 pages)
Alfred Younes appeals his sentence following his guilty plea, claiming the district court abused its discretion by only considering one sentencing factor, community deterrence, when reaching its sentencing decision. OPINION HOLDS: The district court considered several permissible sentencing factors when reaching its sentencing decision. In doing so, the district court did not abuse its discretion.
Case No. 23-1992: Natvig v. Natvig
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Howard County, Laura Parrish, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (20 pages)
Children and grandchildren of Godfrey Natvig appeal the dismissal of their action contesting Godfrey’s will. They challenge “gifts” Michael Natvig made to himself while acting as Godfrey’s attorney in fact; request an inter vivos transfer of eighty acres of farmland to Michael be set aside due to the confidential relationship between Godfrey and Michael, claiming the deed was executed under fraud, duress, and undue influence; and argue the 2016 codicil to Godfrey’s will “was procured by undue influence” and during a time Godfrey “was suffering from an insane delusion.” OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1999: Derek O. Cornette v. The City of Davenport, Michael Matson, Mayor of the City of Davenport, Iowa and The City Council of the City of Davenport
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Henry W. Latham II, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. Partial Dissent by Buller, J. (11 pages)
The City of Davenport, its mayor, and its city council appeal an order sustaining a writ of certiorari declaring that the city council acted illegally by removing Derek Cornette from his office as a city alderman in a proceeding under Iowa Code section 66.29 (2023) and issuing an injunction reinstating Cornette to his office. OPINION HOLDS: Because Cornette’s term in office ended while this appeal was pending—and he was not reelected to another term—this certiorari proceeding seeking reinstatement to that office is moot. So we reverse the district court’s ruling sustaining the writ of certiorari and reinstating Cornette and remand to the district court with directions to dismiss this case with prejudice. DISSENT IN PART ASSERTS: Because I would find the appeal moot but not reverse the district court ruling, I dissent in part.
Case No. 23-2037: State of Iowa v. Latoya Jere Burton
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Jeffrey D. Farrell, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (4 pages)
A defendant appeals the district court’s determination that she has the reasonable ability to pay category “B” restitution. OPINION HOLDS: Because the court did not err in making that determination, we affirm.
Case No. 23-2061: Michael McKee and Diane McKee v. City of Council Bluffs
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Michael Hooper, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, P.J. (20 pages)
Property owners Michael and Diane McKee appeal a district court decision denying them relief in a dispute with the City of Council Bluffs over surface water drainage. OPINION HOLDS: On our de novo review of the record, we agree with the district court that although the City’s property is the dominant estate, the City was not responsible for the damage the McKees claim their property has suffered from the surface water drainage. We accordingly affirm the court’s dismissal of the McKees’ claims for declaratory or mandamus relief, private nuisance, and pure nuisance.
Case No. 23-2122: Anna J. Stoner, Individually and as Parent and Next Friend of L.T. v. Kassi Taft and Tyler Taft
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Monroe County, Greg Milani, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (11 pages)
Anna Stoner appeals the judgment entered for Kassi and Tyler Taft on her premises liability claim after she was injured while helping the Tafts catch a pony on their property. OPINION HOLDS: Iowa Code section 673.2 (2020) provides a negligence standard for the liability of owners of domesticated animals rather than an affirmative defense that the Tafts were required to plead. The activity Stoner was engaged in when she was injured falls under the definition of domesticated animal activity under chapter 673. Thus, the district court properly instructed the jury on the statute.
Case No. 24-0001: 95 Broadway, LLC v. Linda Geske
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dickinson County, Carl J. Petersen, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Mullins, S.J. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (11 pages)
95 Broadway, LLC appeals the district court’s ruling regarding their alleged easement rights over Linda Geske’s adjoining property. OPINION HOLDS: Because the court did not err in declining to recognize 95 Broadway’s proposed easement, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0019: In re the Marriage of Eckard
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dickinson County, Carl J. Petersen, Judge. AFFIRMED AND REMANDED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., Langholz, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Sandy, J., takes no part. Opinion by Potterfield, S.J. (8 pages)
Jeremy Eckard appeals the decree dissolving his marriage to Brittney Chapman (formerly Brittney Chapman Eckard). Jeremy challenges the property distribution, the specifics of the “right of first refusal” provided in the decree, and the court’s order regarding uncovered medical expenses for the parties’ two children. Brittney asks that we affirm the decree and order Jeremy to pay $5000 of her appellate attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the dissolution decree entered by the district court; we remand for the district court to determine a reasonable award of appellate attorney fees for Brittney.
Case No. 24-0104: State of Iowa v. Melvin Alexy Cardona Cardona
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Plymouth County, Daniel P. Vakulskas, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (5 pages)
Melvin Cardona Cardona appeals the denial of his motion to suppress. He argues the warrantless stop of his vehicle was not supported by reasonable suspicion or probable cause, so his constitutional rights were violated. OPINION HOLDS: Following our de novo review, we conclude the stop was justified and affirm the decision of the district court.
Case No. 24-0178: Cory D. Randall v. Natalie L. Trier
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Washington County, Michael Carpenter, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (11 pages)
A mother appeals a custody order granting her and the father joint physical care of their child, contending she should be granted physical care. OPINION HOLDS: Because joint physical care between the parties is in the child’s best interests, we affirm the district court’s decision.
Case No. 24-0279: In re Marriage of Hurm
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Thomas A. Bitter, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (14 pages)
Melissa Lynn Decker Hurm appeals the physical‑care and economic provisions of the decree dissolving her marriage to Peter Matthew Hurm. Peter also requests appellate attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: Because it is in the best interests of the children to be placed in Peter’s physical care and because the property distribution and income imputation are equitable, we affirm. We also decline to award appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 24-0325: Natalia M. Ryner v. Noah David Akers
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marshall County, Adria Kester, Judge. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED AND REMANDED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (11 pages)
Natalia Ryner appeals the visitation schedule ordered by the district court as part of a custody dispute. Specifically, she contends the district court’s summer visitation schedule, which takes effect when the child is five years old, is inappropriate. OPINION HOLDS: Based off the unique facts presented in this case, we believe a modification of the summer visitation schedule is necessary. Instead of nearly eight weeks of what, in practice, will likely be uninterrupted summer visitation with the child’s father in Texas, we find the best interest of the child is better served with five weeks of uninterrupted summer visitation. This schedule will take effect when the child reaches the age of five. We believe such a schedule better considers the situations of the mother and father while still serving the child’s best interests. Lastly, we grant Ryner’s request for appellate attorney fees and remand to the district to determine the amount of such fees.
Case No. 24-0333: Linnhaven, Inc., and Accident Fund National Insurance Company/United Heartland v. Roger Blasdell, surviving spouse of Heather Blasdell
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Coleman McAllister, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Greer, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (13 pages)
Linnhaven, Inc. and its insurer, Accident Fund National Insurance Company/United Heartland, appeal the district court’s denial of their petition for judicial review of the workers’ compensation commissioner’s decision finding that Roger Blasdell’s death benefits are not barred by the willful-injury defense of Iowa Code section 85.16(1) (2016). OPINION HOLDS: Substantial evidence supports the commissioner’s ruling that Blasdell’s wife’s death was accidental rather than a suicide and that Linnhaven thus failed to meet its burden to prove the willful-injury affirmative defense. Linnhaven’s alternative argument—that the decision should be reversed because Blasdell did not prove that his wife’s death was caused by a work injury—is not preserved for our review. It was not decided by the commissioner or the district court, and Linnhaven never clearly raised the issue before the commissioner.
Case No. 24-0376: Logan William Benson v. Stevie Taylor Sullens
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Lee (South) County, John M. Wright, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (8 pages)
A mother appeals from a decree placing physical care of her child with the child’s father. OPINION HOLDS: Given the poor communication between the parents, their different approaches to parenting, and the physical distance between their homes, we agree with the district court that joint physical care is not appropriate. As the child must be placed in the physical care of one of the parents and the father has demonstrated a superior ability to meet the child’s needs, we affirm the district court’s decision to place the child in the father’s physical care. We do not grant either party appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 24-0547: In the Interest of R.V. and J.V., Minor Children
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Nicholas Scott, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (7 pages)
A father appeals the private termination of his parental rights under Iowa Code chapter 600A (2023) for failing to financially support his children. OPINION HOLDS: The father, although inconsistently employed, had sources of income that could have been used to financially support his children. While the father believed other debts or purchases were more pressing financial priorities, the father could have provided some amount of child support and chose not to. Thus, the mother proved the father’s rights may be terminated under section 600A.8(4).
Case No. 24-0985: In the Interest of J.C., Minor Child
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Page County, Donna Bothwell, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Buller, P.J., Langholz, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Doyle, S.J. (5 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights to his child. OPINION HOLDS: Clear and convincing evidence supports terminating the father’s parental rights under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(h) (2024), and termination serves the child’s best interests.
Case No. 24-1035: In the Interest of C.T., Minor Child
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Des Moines County, Jennifer S. Bailey, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (12 pages)
Mother appeals a permanency order of the juvenile court creating a guardianship for her child. The State argues the appeal was not from a final order. Mother argues that the Department of Health and Human Services did not make every reasonable effort to reunite the mother with her child. OPINION HOLDS: We find that the underlying permanency order assigning the child’s foster parents to be guardians is a final order. We affirm the ruling of the juvenile court creating a guardianship and agree a guardianship is in the best interest of the child.
Case No. 24-1069: In the Interest of B.C., A.C., J.C., and E.C., Minor Children
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Clay County, Andrew Smith, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Chicchelly, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Sandy, J., takes no part. Opinion by Buller, J. (6 pages)
A father appeals the physical care provisions of a bridge order. OPINION HOLDS: Placing physical-care with the mother is in the children’s best interests, and we affirm.
Case No. 24-1141: In the Interest of L.F., Minor Child
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Rachael E. Seymour, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (7 pages)
A mother challenges the termination of her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: We find the majority of the mother’s claims were waived, and the mother’s lack of progress towards reunification was unrelated to the asserted lack of reasonable efforts by the State. We affirm.
Case No. 24-1152: In the Interest of E.F., L.F., and W.F., Minor Children
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Cynthia S. Finley, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (6 pages)
A mother appeals termination of her parental rights to three children. OPINION HOLDS: Because the mother was unable to take immediate custody of the children as of the termination trial, did not preserve her additional-time request, and her bond with the children does not preclude termination, we affirm.
Case No. 24-1209: In the Interest of I.T., S.T., and T.T., Minor Children
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Susan Cox, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (9 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: The children could not be safely returned to the mother’s custody. We reject the mother’s reasonable-efforts challenge. Termination is in the children’s best interests. We decline to apply a permissive exception to termination or to grant the mother additional time to work toward reunification.
Case No. 24-1217: In the Interest of R.S., Jr. and A.S., Minor Children
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Charles D. Fagan, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (10 pages)
The mother and father separately appeal termination of their parental rights to two children. OPINION HOLDS: We find termination of parental rights to be in the children’s best interests and the children could not return to either parent’s care at the time of trial. Error was not preserved on the mother’s reasonable-efforts claim. We affirm on both appeals.
Case No. 24-1300: In the Interest of L.C. and W.C., Minor Child
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Greene County, Ashley Beisch, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (11 pages)
The juvenile court terminated the parental rights of the father of L.C. (born in 2013) and W.C. (born in 2019) and the rights of L.C.’s mother. The father argues the juvenile court lacked subject matter jurisdiction to decide the termination petition because the appeal of his convictions was not yet completed; the court was wrong to terminate his parental rights because, if the court waited until he was successful on his criminal appeal, the adjudicatory ground would not persist and the statutory grounds for termination would not be met; and, in the alternative, that the juvenile court should have exercised one of the permissive exceptions and established a guardianship in the children’s paternal grandfather in lieu of terminating the father’s parental rights. The mother of L.C. challenges the statutory grounds for termination, claims the loss of her rights is not in L.C.’s best interests, and maintains the court should have concluded the close bond between the mother and L.C. precludes termination. OPINION HOLDS: Following our de novo review, we affirm the termination of each parent’s rights.
Case No. 24-1328: In the Interest of N.F., E.M., H.M., K.M., and L.T., Minor Children
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Appanoose County, Richelle Mahaffey, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (14 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her five children under Iowa Code section 232.116(1) (2024). A father separately appeals the termination of his rights to the youngest child—both parties’ son. The mother and father each argue that the State did not prove a ground for termination. The mother also argues that guardianship was not properly considered as an alternative permanency option. And the father argues that termination was not in the best interest of his son. OPINION HOLDS: Clear and convincing evidence supports terminating the mother and father’s parental rights under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(e) because both parents failed to maintain significant and meaningful contact with the children. Termination of the father’s parental rights is in the son’s best interest given the father’s failure to obtain substance-use or mental-health treatment, the need for permanency in the son’s life, and the son’s positive foster-home environment. And guardianship is not a viable option here, especially since the mother did not propose any concrete plan for guardianship.
Case No. 24-1360: In the Interest of B.W., Minor Child
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Cheryl Traum, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Ahlers and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (4 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights, challenging the statutory grounds supporting termination. OPINION HOLDS: The State established that the child could not be safely returned to the father’s custody at the time of the termination hearing, satisfying a statutory ground for termination.
Case No. 24-1381: In the Interest of J.F., Minor Child
Filed Oct 30, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, Hunter W. Thorpe, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (8 pages)
A mother appeals the district court’s order terminating her parental rights to her child pursuant to Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(e), (h), and (I) (2024). OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the district court’s order, finding the grounds for termination have been met, the termination is in the child’s best interest, and no exception to termination applies.
Case No. 23-0408: State of Iowa v. David John Lehmann
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Monica Ackley, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED. Heard by Tabor, P.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (10 pages)
David John Lehmann appeals both his conviction and sentence for lascivious acts with a child, alleging multiple improper evidentiary rulings, prosecutorial misconduct, constitutional violations, verdict inconsistency, and an abuse of sentencing discretion. OPINION HOLDS: Because the court abused its discretion by admitting prior‑bad‑acts evidence and Lehmann’s constitutional right to be present was violated, we reverse and remand consistent with this opinion without considering the merits of his other arguments.
Case No. 23-0741: Douglas Kelley, Executor of the Estate of Gregory Autenreith v. Savings Bank Primghar
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for O’Brien County, Nancy L. Whittenburg, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., Langholz, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Langholz, J. (9 pages)
Douglas Kelley—the executor of a trust beneficiary’s estate—appeals the district court’s grant of summary judgment on the estate’s claim that the trustee, Savings Bank Primghar, negligently breached its fiduciary duty to the beneficiary. OPINION HOLDS: The bank did not violate any duty owed to the beneficiary as trustee under Iowa law. Because the beneficiary was provided a copy of the trust’s terms as required by the Iowa Trust Code and he never asked for any more information from the bank, it complied with all its duties under Iowa law.
Case No. 23-0892: Michael Wayne Klein v. Des Moines Police Department, Eric Moorman and City of Des Moines
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Michael D. Huppert and Scott D. Rosenberg, Judges. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (17 pages)
Michael Klein appeals the district court’s grant of partial summary judgment to defendants, dismissing three of his claims, and appeals the district court’s denial of his partial new trial motion. OPINION HOLDS: Because we no longer recognize standalone causes of action for constitutional tort violations under article 1, section 8 of the Iowa Constitution, we affirm the district court’s grant of summary judgment on Klein’s constitutional claims. The evidence viewed in the light most favorable to Klein supports the district court’s ruling on Klein’s false arrest, malicious prosecution, and battery claims. We conclude the district court did not err in denying a new trial based on the evidentiary grounds raised. And as the attorney-misconduct claim was not preserved for appeal, we do not reach the merits of such claim.
Case No. 23-0934: Motter v. All the Cats, LLC
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Coleman McAllister, Judge. AFFIRMED AND REMANDED. Heard by Tabor, P.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (15 pages)
Parties to a commercial lease agreement signed one month before the start of the COVID‑19 global pandemic appeal the judgment entered by the district court for nonperformance. OPINION HOLDS: I. The record supports the trial court’s finding that nonperformance was not excused by impossibility or frustration of performance because any impossibility or frustration of performance was both temporary and partial. The record also supports its finding that a lease assignment to a third party and the property owner’s settlement with that third party did not release the personal guarantors from their obligation under lease. Because a claim that the property owner converted the lease deposit to benefit a third party was tied to performance of the lease, the district court properly denied it. We affirm the award of trial attorney fees. II. Because a lease provision about the due date for the first month of rent is reasonably open to interpretation, the district court did not err in construing it against the property owner. We affirm the amount of damages awarded for breach of contract and remand to the district court to determine a reasonable award of appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-1053: Harold Eugene Meyer v. State of Iowa
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Jasper County, Charles Sinnard, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (7 pages)
Harold Meyer appeals the denial of his request to modify his status on the sex offender registry. The district court determined that Meyer was not eligible for modification under Iowa Code section 692A.128(2)(b) (2022) because he did not complete required sex offender treatment programs. Meyer argues that he was not required to attend sex offender treatment while incarcerated under the reasoning of two Iowa Supreme Court cases from 2009 addressing eligibility for earned time. OPINION HOLDS: Because substantial evidence supports the determination that Meyer refused to participate in required sex offender treatment, he did not meet the threshold test for modification. We thus affirm the district court’s denial.
Case No. 23-1167: Kenneth Leroy Adams v. State of Iowa
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Cerro Gordo County, Colleen Weiland, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Ahlers and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (6 pages)
Kenneth Adams appeals the denial of his second application for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: Adams cannot establish any of his attorneys breached an essential duty, so his ineffective-assistance-of-counsel claim fails.
Case No. 23-1466: State of Iowa v. Walter Deon Latrell Baylor
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Muscatine County, Jeffrey D. Bert, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (9 pages)
After a warrantless search of Walter Baylor’s vehicle, the district court initially granted Baylor’s motion to suppress, concluding the officers conducted an improper inventory search. The State moved to reconsider the ruling. Applying the automobile exception, the district court then reversed course and denied the motion to suppress. Baylor appeals, arguing the district court’s initial ruling applying State v. Ingram, 914 N.W.2d 794 (Iowa 2018) was correct. OPINION HOLDS: We find there was probable cause to search the vehicle once an officer observed a digital scale with residue in an open glove box, so the automobile exception applied to search the vehicle without a warrant. We affirm the district court’s ruling denying Baylor’s motion to suppress and affirm his conviction and sentence.
Case No. 23-1544: In re Marriage of Williams
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, James C. Ellefson, Judge. AFFIRMED AND REMANDED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. Partial dissent by Ahlers, P.J. (14 pages)
Ronald Christopher Williams appeals the economic provisions of the decree dissolving his marriage to Beverly Behary Williams, contending the property distribution and spousal support are inequitable. OPINION HOLDS: Because both provisions are equitable, we affirm. We also award Beverly appellate attorney fees, but because we lack an attorney‑fees affidavit, we remand to the district court to determine the appropriate amount. PARTIAL DISSENT ASSERTS: Although I agree with the majority’s decision to affirm the property distribution and award of traditional spousal support, I would not affirm the amount of the spousal support award or the award of appellate attorney fees. In my view, the statutory factors support a smaller monthly spousal-support award. As I would modify the spousal support amount, I would also deny the wife’s request for appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-1754: Willie Jermaine Taylor Sr. v. State of Iowa
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Robert B. Hanson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (11 pages)
Willie Taylor Sr. appeals from the denial of his application for postconviction relief (PCR) following his guilty pleas over three separate cases. Taylor challenges the district court’s conclusions that he failed to prove he was under duress at the time of his guilty pleas, claiming the PCR court disregarded much of his evidence; argues he was wrongly advised about the sentence he would receive; and claims the probation-revocation court abused its discretion when it imposed the sixty-year sentence that was previously suspended. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find that counsel’s actions were consistent with a reasonably competent attorney and the probation-revocation court did not abuse its discretion when it revoked Taylor’s probation and imposed the previously suspended sentence, we affirm the decision of the PCR court.
Case No. 23-1808: State of Iowa v. Joseph Thomas Gentile
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Brendan Greiner, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (8 pages)
Joseph Gentile appeals his sentences following his guilty pleas to unauthorized placement of a global positioning device and criminal mischief. He contends that the district court abused its sentencing discretion by relying on evidence of “unproven and uncharged” conduct, improperly considering legislative intent, and failing to give sufficient reasons for imposing consecutive sentences. OPINION HOLDS: Gentile fails to produce clear evidence that the district court considered improper information in reaching its sentencing decision. And the court gave sufficient reasons for imposing consecutive sentences. Finding no abuse of discretion, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1870: State of Iowa v. Phillip Devin Roberts
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Craig M. Dreismeier, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (9 pages)
A defendant appeals the district court’s determination that he is reasonably able to pay category “B” restitution to the extent of his liquid assets in the amount of $18,800, while the State requests a remand for entry of a nunc pro tunc order to correct the judgment entry to make it consistent with the oral pronouncement of sentence. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, finding no abuse of discretion in the court’s determination of the amount Roberts is reasonably able to pay towards category “B” restitution and concluding the oral and written sentences were consistent.
Case No. 23-2007: State of Iowa v. Janet Ellen Carver
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, Stephen A. Owen, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART, VACATED IN PART, AND REMANDED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (8 pages)
Janet Carver appeals her sentences following her guilty pleas to identity theft and second-degree theft. She contends the district court failed to provide sufficient reasons for imposing consecutive sentences and improperly ordered pecuniary damages for charges not included in Carver’s plea of guilty. OPINION HOLDS: The district court gave sufficient reasons for imposing consecutive sentences, but the pecuniary damages portion of the sentencing order does not comply with Iowa law. We affirm in part, vacate in part, and remand.
Case No. 23-2109: State of Iowa v. Darryn Lyn Dugan
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Union County, Dustria A. Relph, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (6 pages)
Darryn Lyn Dugan appeals the sentence imposed by the district court after pleading, contending the court abused its discretion when sentencing him by admitting unauthenticated evidence, failing to consider certain mitigating factors, failing to follow the recommendation made by the presentence investigation report, and declining to suspend incarceration in favor of probation. OPINION HOLDS: Because the court did not abuse its discretion by admitting evidence or imposing incarceration, we affirm Dugan’s sentence.
Case No. 24-0033: State of Iowa v. Timothy Owen Doyle
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Jeffrey D. Bert, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (15 pages)
Timothy Doyle appeals his sentences after he pleaded guilty pursuant to a plea agreement to two counts of sexual abuse in the third degree in violation of Iowa Code section 709.4(1)(b)(2)(d) (2022). On appeal, he argues that (1) the prosecutor breached the plea agreement; and (2) the district court did not adequately state its reasoning for imposing incarceration and consecutive sentences. OPINION HOLDS: After our review of the record, we affirm Doyle’s sentences. We find that (1) the prosecutor adequately remedied his initial misstatement in conveying the sentencing recommendation contemplated by Doyle’s plea agreement; and (2) the district court sufficiently stated its reasons for imposing incarceration and consecutive sentences.
Case No. 24-0140: Nicholas R. Rosenow v. Tara D. Link
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Michael J. Shubatt, Judge. AFFIRMED AND REMANDED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Langholz, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Doyle, S.J. (11 pages)
Tara Link appeals the decree granting her and Nicholas Rosenow joint physical care of their child. OPINION HOLDS: I. We agree that the record shows that joint physical care serves B.L.’s best interests and affirm the physical care provisions of the parties’ decree. II. We also agree that the record shows that hyphenating both parents’ surnames is in the child’s best interests and affirm the provision of the decree changing the child’s name. III. Because the record supports an award of Nicholas’s appellate attorney fees but we have no affidavit of attorney fees, we remand to the district court to determine the amount of his appellate attorney fees and enter judgment against Tara in a reasonable amount.
Case No. 24-0148: State of Iowa v. Ezekiel Larson
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Floyd County, DeDra Schroeder, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Buller, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Danilson, S.J. (5 pages)
Ezekiel Larson appeals his sentence following a guilty plea. OPINION HOLDS: Larson cannot establish that the district court abused its sentencing discretion.
Case No. 24-0301: State of Iowa v. Jennifer Elaine Archer
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Page County, Justin R. Wyatt, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (4 pages)
Jennifer Archer appeals the revocation of her deferred judgment and conviction for third-degree burglary, arguing that the district court violated her state and federal due-process rights by doing so without providing a hearing or a statement of the factual basis for the revocation. OPINION HOLDS: The district court held a revocation hearing—at the same time as the sentencing hearing for the convictions on the new charges that were the basis for revocation. And the written record of the hearing provides a sufficient statement of the basis for the revocation—especially since Archer did not contest that basis at the hearing.
Case No. 24-0914: In the Interest of T.R., N.R., K.R., and I.R., Minor Children
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Rachael E. Seymour, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Ahlers and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (22 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to four of her children. The mother’s daughter also appeals termination of parental rights as to her. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the juvenile court’s ruling because we find (1) the juvenile court had subject matter jurisdiction; (2) clear and convincing evidence supported Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(d) (2023) for termination and the termination is in the children’s best interest; (3) the mother did not preserve her claim that the juvenile court erred in declining to grant her a six-month extension for unification; (4) the GAL’s failure to comply with statutory duties did not amount to reversible error; (5) no structural error occurred; and (6) the mother’s constitutional arguments were waived on appeal.
Case No. 24-1009: In the Interest of M.T., Minor Child
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Bremer County, Peter B. Newell, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (8 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her child, contending the State failed to prove the statutory grounds for termination and requesting a six‑month extension to work towards reunification. OPINION HOLDS: Having found the statutory grounds satisfied and no extension is warranted, we affirm termination of the mother’s parental rights to M.T.
Case No. 24-1057: In the Interest of M.H., M.H., and T.H., Minor Children
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Susan Cox, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (8 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(f) (2024). She argues the State failed to prove the statutory ground for termination and termination is not in the best interests of the children. OPINION HOLDS: On our de novo review, we conclude clear and convincing evidence exists in this record to support the statutory ground for termination and termination is in the best interests of the children.
Case No. 24-1092: In the Interest of M.M., Minor Child
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Brent Pattison, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (7 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: The State established a statutory ground for termination. Termination is in the child’s best interests. We decline to apply a permissive exception to termination or to establish a guardianship in lieu of termination. And we do not grant the mother additional time to work toward reunification.
Case No. 24-1241: In the Interest of A.B. and A.B.-M., Minor Children
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Christine Dalton, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (9 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her one-year-old and three-year-old daughters. She argues that terminating her rights was not in the children’s best interests. OPINION HOLDS: After our independent review of the record, we reach the same conclusion as the juvenile court. As that court found, termination of the mother’s parental rights is the children’s “best chance at long-term stability, growth, and healthy development.” So, we affirm.
Case No. 24-1258: In the Interest of D.C., T.C., T.C., T.C., and T.J., Minor Children
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Wayne County, Patrick W. Greenwood and Monty Franklin, Judges. AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND REMANDED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (14 pages)
A mother appeals the adjudication of her five children as children in need of assistance, their continued removal from her custody, and the out-of-state placement of the oldest child. She also contends the State has not made reasonable efforts toward reunification. Finally, she asserts that returning her children to her custody is in their best interests. OPINION HOLDS: Because the State did not offer clear and convincing evidence to support adjudication on two of three grounds, we reverse in part and affirm in part.
Case No. 24-1279: In the Interest of M.M.-P., K.M.-P., and K.M.-P., Minor Children
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Michael Motto, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (11 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights, arguing (1) there was not clear and convincing evidence that her parental rights should be terminated pursuant to section 232.116(1)(f) (2024); and (2) there was not clear and convincing evidence that termination of the mother’s parental rights was in the best interest of the children pursuant to section 232.116(2). OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the juvenile court’s termination of the mother’s parental rights.
Case No. 24-1318: In the Interest of D.S. and T.S., Minor Children
Filed Oct 16, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Carrie K. Bryner, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Badding and Sandy, JJ. Opinion Per Curiam. (7 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: The father only challenges whether clear and convincing evidence supports the juvenile court decision to terminate his rights. After reviewing the record, we find that it does and affirm the juvenile court’s decision.
Case No. 21-1731: State of Iowa v. Michael Aaron Dutcher
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Jones County, Fae Hoover Grinde, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., Badding, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Danilson, S.J. Dissent by Ahlers, P.J. (11 pages)
Michael Dutcher requests we grant him a delayed appeal and address is claim that the district court failed to comply with Iowa Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.23 at sentencing. OPINION HOLDS: We grant Dutcher a delayed appeal. We bypass the State’s error-preservation challenge and determine the district court substantially complied with rule 2.23. DISSENT ASSERTS: Because there is no record evidence supporting Dutcher’s claims to justify granting a delayed appeal, I would not grant a delayed appeal and dismiss the appeal for lack of jurisdiction.
Case No. 22-1543: State of Iowa v. Daniel Fletcher Jackson
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Jeanie Vaudt, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (16 pages)
Daniel Jackson appeals his convictions for murder, robbery, and burglary, all in the first degree. He contends there is insufficient evidence to support the verdicts and the district court abused its discretion in evidentiary rulings. OPINION HOLDS: We find substantial evidence supports the verdicts and the district court did not abuse its discretion when it admitted police officer body camera video depicting the victim near death on the scene and a Snapchat video of Jackson holding a pellet gun. So, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1721: Bradshaw Renovations, LLC v. Barry Graham and Jacklynn Graham
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Sarah Crane, Judge. AFFIRMED ON APPEAL AND CROSS-APPEAL AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., Langholz, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Langholz, J. (24 pages)
Bradshaw Renovations, LLC, a construction contractor hired by Barry and Jacklynn Graham to renovate their home, appeals an adverse jury verdict on the Grahams’ consumer-fraud claims and the district court’s judgment on its unjust-enrichment and quantum-meruit claims. The Grahams cross-appeal the amount of their attorney-fee award. OPINION HOLDS: Given the considerable deference owed to the jury, we hold that substantial evidence supports the consumer-fraud verdict. We also agree that the district court correctly dismissed Bradshaw Renovations’ unjust-enrichment and quantum-meruit claims because they sought damages for matters covered by the parties’ written contract. And we affirm on the Grahams’ cross-appeal because they failed to raise their claimed error in the district court and thus failed to preserve it for our review. We agree that the Grahams are entitled to appellate attorney fees for the defense of the consumer-fraud verdict and remand to the district court to determine the reasonable amount.
Case No. 23-0520: Goosmann Law Firm, P.L.C. v. Hirschbach Motor Lines, Inc., and GR Equipment Leasing, Inc.
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Monica Ackley, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., and Badding and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (13 pages)
Goosmann Law Firm, P.L.C. appeals the district court’s grant of summary judgment to Hirschbach Motor Lines, Inc. and GR Equipment Leasing, Inc. on an attorney fee dispute. OPINION HOLDS: We determine there are genuine issues of material fact about the meaning of the contingency fee provision in the parties’ attorney fee contract. We reverse the district court court’s decision and remand for further proceedings.
Case No. 23-0685: In re the Marriage of Samuels da Fonseca Silva
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Monica Zrinyi Ackley, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS ON THE APPEAL OF THE DISSOLUTION DECREE. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (13 pages)
Rosanne Samuels appeals the district court’s denial of her petition to vacate a decree dissolving her marriage with one man and its issuance of a decree dissolving another marriage with Mustapha El Khayat rather than granting an annulment. OPINION HOLDS: Samuels correctly argues that a petition to vacate a decree as void for improper service need not be made within one year. But even so, she is judicially estopped from making such a challenge to her first dissolution decree because it was issued at her request and based on her position in that proceeding that she made proper service. The district court thus correctly denied her petition to vacate that first decree and her request for an annulment rather than a dissolution of the second marriage. We award appellate attorney fees to El Khayat, deny Samuels’s request for fees, and remand with directions for the district court to decide the reasonable amount of fees.
Case No. 23-0894: Joseph Peter Schmidt and Bambi Lynn Schmidt v. Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marshall County, John J. Haney, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Langholz, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Langholz, J. (7 pages)
Joseph and Bambi Schmidt appeal the district court’s grant of summary judgment on their breach-of-contract claim challenging an insurance appraisal award that decided the amount of loss to their property from the 2020 derecho. OPINION HOLDS: The district court correctly granted summary judgment. The Schmidts do not argue that the appraisal process was infected with fraud, mistake, or misfeasance—the only grounds on which we could ignore the otherwise binding determination of the Schmidts’ loss under their insurance policy. And the arguments that they do make merely seek to improperly revisit that award.
Case No. 23-0909: Jamison Albert Fisher v. State of Iowa
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Henry W. Latham II, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., Badding, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Gamble, S.J. (11 pages)
A postconviction-relief applicant appeals the dismissal of his claim of ineffective assistance of appellate counsel. OPINION HOLDS: Because the applicant did not establish prejudice, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0914: State of Iowa v. Tacoa Talley
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Benton County, Chad Kepros, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. Special Concurrence by Ahlers, J. (12 pages)
Tacoa Talley was tried by jury and convicted of first-degree murder in the death of Jodie Bevans. Talley appeals three decisions made by the district court: the admission of “enhanced” audio from a Snapchat video, the transcript of the social media video, and the submission of disputed language in a jury instruction. OPINION HOLDS: We find that the district court did not abuse its discretion in admitting the challenged evidence and did not err in submitting the pertinent jury instruction. As a result, this court affirms Talley’s conviction. SPECIAL CONCURRENCE ASSERTS: While I agree with the majority that the challenged jury instruction is a correct statement of the law, I write separately to suggest some improvement could be made to the stock instruction to provide more clarity.
Case No. 23-0969: State of Iowa v. Jordan Dee Andrews Webb
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Webster County, Angela L. Doyle and Christopher C. Polking, Judges. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (22 pages)
Jordan Webb appeals his convictions for second-degree sexual abuse, incest, and child endangerment. He contends there is insufficient evidence to support the verdicts and the district court erred in admitting hearsay statements made by the child victim, denying his motion for mistrial based on prosecutorial misconduct, and denying his motion for new trial based on his challenge to the weight of the evidence. OPINION HOLDS: We find substantial evidence supports the verdicts. The district court committed harmless error when it admitted the child’s hearsay statements, and it did not abuse its discretion in admitting the statements over Webb’s rule 5.403 objection or denying Webb’s motion for new trial. Webb failed to preserve error on his prosecutorial misconduct claim. We affirm.
Case No. 23-0980: State of Iowa v. Dale Patrick Lyons Jr.
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Mark T. Hostager, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Chicchelly, P.J., Buller, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Doyle, S.J. (11 pages)
Dale Lyons Jr. appeals his conviction of indecent exposure claiming there was insufficient evidence to convict him, he was not competent to stand trial, and his right to a speedy trial was violated. OPINION HOLDS: We find there was sufficient evidence to support the jury’s verdict. Lyons failed to meet his burden to prove incompetency. Lyons failed to preserve error on the speedy trial issue. We affirm his conviction and sentence.
Case No. 23-1107: Higdon v. Rana
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Des Moines County, John M. Wright, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., and Langholz and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (15 pages)
Leanne Rana appeals the judgment of the district court finding that she breached an express oral contract with Stanley Higdon. On appeal, she argues (1) the district court erred by not finding Higdon to be an incompetent witness and (2) the evidence was insufficient to establish that she ever manifested assent to a contract. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, finding (1) Rana’s competency argument was not preserved for appeal and (2) the record discloses substantial evidence of mutual assent to a contract.
Case No. 23-1142: Property Holder LTD v. James A. Piersall, as hearing officer
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Fae E. Hoover-Grinde, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED. Considered by Badding, P.J., and Langholz, J., and Gamble, S.J.* Opinion by Badding, P.J. (7 pages)
Property Holders, Ltd. appeals a district court order annulling its writ of certiorari that challenged a nuisance property designation. OPINION HOLDS: While this appeal was pending, Property Holders sold the property at issue, making this appeal moot. We decline to apply the public-importance exception to the mootness doctrine and dismiss the appeal.
Case No. 23-1179: Richard Robert Mutchler v. State of Iowa
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Scott J. Beattie, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Sandy, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Bower, S.J. (9 pages)
Richard Mutchler appeals the district court’s denial of his application for postconviction relief following his 2010 convictions for two counts of first-degree murder. Mutchler claims his trial counsel was ineffective. OPINION HOLDS: Because Mutchler did not establish prejudice, his ineffective-assistance-of-counsel claims fail. Accordingly, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1251: State of Iowa v. Jose Joaquin Montoya Morroquin
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Crawford County, Patrick H. Tott, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Badding, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Doyle, S.J. (5 pages)
Following a bench trial, Montoya appealed claiming that the district court lacked authority to try his criminal case without a jury, absent a valid Iowa Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.17(1) waiver. OPINION HOLDS: Having failed to preserve error on the issue, we affirm Montoya’s convictions and sentence.
Case No. 23-1283: State of Iowa v. Joshua Steven Nelson
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marshall County, Paul G. Crawford, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (4 pages)
Joshua Steven Nelson appeals the sentence imposed after he pled guilty to one count of domestic abuse assault causing bodily injury, second offense. OPINION HOLDS: Nelson has not met his burden of affirmatively showing the court improperly considered unproven criminal offenses when it sentenced him to a two-year term of incarceration rather than suspending his sentence.
Case No. 23-1294: Freddy Douglas Crisp v. State of Iowa
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Calhoun County, Blake H. Norman, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Bower, S.J. Buller, J., takes no part. Opinion by Bower, S.J. (6 pages)
Freddy Crisp appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief, claiming he alleges he received ineffective assistance of counsel from his trial attorney. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1363: State of Iowa v. Demetrius Ray Howard
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Mark R. Lawson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (11 pages)
A criminal defendant appeals his convictions for first-degree murder and felon in possession. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, finding the defendant was not justified when he used a gun during a fistfight to shoot the victim in the back. We also find sufficient evidence of the required mens rea elements. And we discern no abuse of discretion in the district court’s evidentiary ruling concerning the defendant’s statements regarding the “murder weapon.
Case No. 23-1368: International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 1366 v. City of Cedar Falls
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Joseph Seidlin, Judge. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED AND REMANDED. Heard by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (17 pages)
The City of Cedar Falls appeals the district court’s ruling granting International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 1366’s petition for judicial review of a remedy order issued by the Iowa Public Employment Relations Board (PERB). On appeal, the city argues (1) the district court applied an incorrect standard of review to PERB’s action in this case and (2) did not give the appropriate level of deference typically afforded agency actions. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the ruling of the district court, finding (1) PERB’s action in this case violated Iowa Code section 17A.19(10)(i) (2023) and (2) the district court gave the appropriate amount of deference in reviewing PERB’s action. We remand to the district court with instructions to remand to the Iowa Employment Appeal Board for purposes of fashioning a remedy consistent with this opinion.
Case No. 23-1372: State of Iowa v. Dimari Diajae Jaishon Meredith
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Lee (North) County, Joshua P. Schrier, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (18 pages)
A criminal defendant appeals his conviction and sentence for second-degree murder. He raises issues concerning a motion for continuance related to a jury-composition claim, sufficiency of the evidence, and his sentence. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, finding no abuse of discretion in denying the requested continuance, the verdict was supported by sufficient evidence, and the sentence complied with our case law for sentencing juvenile murderers to a mandatory minimum.
Case No. 23-1386: In the Interest of D.W., Minor Child
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Joan M. Black, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (6 pages)
A juvenile challenges the sufficiency of the evidence to support his delinquency adjudication for second-degree sexual abuse, arguing that the State did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the victim’s allegations were true. OPINION HOLDS: The record shows that the victim was consistent in recalling that D.W. sexually abused her when she was six or seven years old. We thus find substantial evidence to support the adjudication.
Case No. 23-1443: State of Iowa v. Barret Eugene Vonk
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, Bethany J. Currie, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (11 pages)
Barrett Vonk appeals his conviction and the district court’s ruling on his motion for a new trial. He argues (1) the jury’s verdict was against the greater weight of the evidence, (2) the district court should have excluded evidence of a pretextual call made to Vonk by the victim and her roommate, (3) the district court allowed improper vouching testimony, and (4) the State engaged in prosecutorial misconduct by placing a sex toy on counsel table in view of the jury. OPINION HOLDS: The district court did not abuse its discretion in finding the guilty verdict was not contrary to the weight of the evidence or in admitting evidence of the pretextual call. Vonk failed to preserve error on his final two claims. We affirm.
Case No. 23-1668: Minnesota Lawyers Mutual v. Rasmussen, Nelson & Wonio, PLC
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Audubon County, Christopher C. Polking, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (15 pages)
A law firm appeals a declaratory judgment finding their legal malpractice insurers had no further obligation to defend or indemnify. OPINION HOLDS: Finding the law firm did not meet its contractual obligation to report potential claims, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1685: Brady Griffin as Executor of the Estate of Loren D. Griffin, and the Loren Douglas Griffin Irrevocable Living Trust, by Trustee Curtis Griffin v. NYLIFE Securities, LLC, New York Life Insurance Company, and Marlyn McClain
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Jennifer Benson Bahr, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (21 pages)
Plaintiffs Brady Griffin, as executor of the Estate of Loren D. Griffin, and the Loren Douglas Griffin Irrevocable Living Trust by trustee, Curtis Griffin (collectively, Griffin) appeal the district court’s order granting summary judgment in favor of defendants NYLife Securities LLC, New York Life Insurance Company, and Marlyn McClain (collectively, NYLife) on Griffin’s claims of breach of fiduciary duty, fraudulent non-disclosure, negligent misrepresentation/omission, constructive fraud, breach of contract, negligent supervision/respondeat superior, and punitive damages. Griffin challenges the court’s application of the relevant statutes of limitations to bar several claims and contends the court erred in granting summary judgment on the remaining claims. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm the district court’s order granting NYLife’s motion for summary judgment and dismissal of Griffin’s petition.
Case No. 23-1853: State of Iowa v. Richard Eugene Noll
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Muscatine County, Stuart Werling, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (9 pages)
Richard Eugene Noll appeals his conviction for possession of a controlled substance, challenging the denial of his motion to suppress evidence obtained as a result of the traffic stop. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the district court’s ruling on the validity of the traffic stop but reverse and remand with directions to decide the lawfulness of the search of Noll’s person leading to the discovery of methamphetamine as outlined in this opinion.
Case No. 23-1858: Keith Leonard James v. State of Iowa
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Andrea Dryer, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (6 pages)
A postconviction-relief (PCR) applicant appeals the denial of his motion for continuance and the subsequent dismissal of his PCR application, arguing the district court abused its discretion in denying his motion for continuance and in finding that his trial counsel was not ineffective for failing to assert a justification defense. OPINION HOLDS: We hold that the PCR applicant has not preserved error on his justification argument and that the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying his motion for continuance.
Case No. 23-1864: Shamrock Hills, LLC v. Wagoner
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Joseph Seidlin, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (10 pages)
Justin Wagoner appeals the denial of his request for class certification against his former employer. And the employer, Shamrock Hills, appeals the court’s assumption in its ruling that a class action can be asserted as a counterclaim. OPINION HOLDS: The district court did not abuse its discretion when it denied the class certification. And we also reach that conclusion by assuming and not deciding that a class action can be asserted as a counterclaim. Thus, we affirm the district court order.
Case No. 24-0238: State of Iowa v. Dustin Jeffrey Dickerson
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Appanoose County, Rose Anne Mefford (Trial) and Mark Kruse (Sentencing), Judges. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Vogel, S.J. (5 pages)
A criminal defendant claims insufficient evidence supported his conviction for operating while intoxicated. OPINION HOLDS: Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, the jury could reasonably consider the totality of the circumstances—the defendant was found passed out over the steering wheel, the vehicle was still in drive in the middle of the road, he smelled of alcohol, his speech was slurred, and his eyes were bloodshot—and conclude the defendant operated his vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
Case No. 24-0292: Neil Sean Evans v. State of Iowa
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Plymouth County, Tod Deck, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (6 pages)
Neil Evans challenges the denial of his PCR application after he pled guilty to OWI, third offense. Evans argued he received ineffective assistance from trial counsel, who failed to advise him that if he pled guilty he could not challenge the district court’s denial of his motion to suppress. The State responds both that counsel did not have a duty to advise Evans and that Evans failed to establish he was prejudiced. OPINION HOLDS: Because the Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure fail to establish that counsel must inform accused of the forfeiture of the right to appeal a suppression ruling under prevailing standards of professional norms, we affirm the decision of the district court.
Case No. 24-0344: State of Iowa v. Edgar Joseph Washington
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Mark T. Hostager, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (5 pages)
Edgar Washington appeals his conviction for assault causing bodily injury, arguing the sentencing court abused its discretion by not giving enough weight to the mitigating factors he raised. OPINION HOLDS: The court properly considered and weighed both mitigating and aggravating factors. So, we affirm Washington’s sentence.
Case No. 24-0506: Mayfe Patino v. Nestor Alejandro Sanchez
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, James N. Daane, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (7 pages)
A father appeals from a district court order requiring him to pay cash medical support. OPINION HOLDS: Because the father failed to request a transcript of the Iowa Code chapter 252H (2023) review hearing, and the transcript was necessary for a review on the merits, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0693: In the Interest of A.L. and E.L., Minor Children
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Daniel L. Block, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (11 pages)
A mother appeals the juvenile court’s termination of her parental rights, claiming that the statutory ground was not satisfied, and that termination is not in the children’s best interests. OPINION HOLDS: Due to the mother’s domestically violent relationship with the children’s father, we hold the statutory ground was met and terminating the mother’s parental rights was in the children’s best interests.
Case No. 24-0723: In the Interest of D.P. and D.P., Minor Children
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Clay County, Andrew Smith, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Sandy, J., takes not part. Opinion by Langholz, J. (10 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her two sons. She argues that the State failed to prove grounds for termination, termination was not in her sons’ best interests, and that the juvenile court should have given her six more months to work toward reunification. OPINION HOLDS: The State proved termination is warranted under paragraphs “f” and “h” of Iowa Code section 232.116(1) (2023). And the mother’s substance use, both boys’ special needs, and their twenty-two months in foster care all show that the boys are best served by the consistency and finality of terminating the mother’s parental rights.
Case No. 24-0983: In the Interest of V.W. and A.W., Minor Children
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Erik Howe, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (9 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights to his children. He contends termination is not in the children’s best interests, and he requests a guardianship and bridge order as an alternative to termination. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0996: In the Interest of A.W., Minor Child
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Chickasaw County, Linnea M.N. Nicol, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (10 pages)
A mother appeals the district court’s adjudication that her daughter is a child in need of assistance as defined in Iowa Code sections 232.96A(2), (3)(b), and (4) (2024) arguing that insufficient evidence supported the adjudication, her witnesses were more credible than the children, the district court considered impermissible hearsay, and the district court relied on “ex parte evidence.” OPINION HOLDS: Because the evidence presented by the State was clear and convincing, we affirm.
Case No. 24-1065: In the Interest of J.K., Minor Child
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Carrie K. Bryner, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (8 pages)
A mother and father separately appeal the termination of their parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: Clear and convincing evidence supports terminating both parents’ rights under Iowa Code section 232.116(h) (2023), termination is in the child’s best interests, no statutory exception raised is supported by the record, and additional time is unwarranted. We affirm.
Case No. 24-1186: In the Interest of R.N., Minor Child
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Decatur County, William Price, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (9 pages)
A mother and father separately appeal the termination of their parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: I. Clear and convincing evidence supports terminating the mother’s parental rights under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(h) (2024), and termination is in the child’s best interests. The mother has not shown that termination will harm the child based on the closeness of the parent-child bond, and delaying permanency would not change the result of the proceedings. II. Clear and convincing evidence supports terminating the father’s parental rights under section 232.116(1)(h) and providing the father with the services he now complains about on appeal would not have affected the finding that the child could not be returned to his custody at the time of the termination hearing.
Case No. 24-1193: In the Interest of G.B., Minor Child
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Cynthia S. Finley, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (9 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights under Iowa Code section 232.116. She argues we should exercise jurisdiction over this appeal despite her original notice of appeal being filed in the wrong case and the proper notice being filed late. On the merits, she contends that the statutory exception under Iowa Code section 232.116(3) should have precluded termination because a relative has custody of her daughter. OPINION HOLDS: We have appellate jurisdiction because this is a proper delayed appeal. The mother intended to timely appeal, she was blameless for counsel’s filing misstep, and the delayed filing of the proper notice did not delay the rest of the appellate process. On the merits, we agree with the district court that the permissive statutory exception is not a basis here to deny termination.
Case No. 24-1222: In the Interest of N.W., Minor Child
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dallas County, Erica Crisp, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Ahlers and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (6 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights to a three-year-old daughter, arguing the termination was not in her best interests and the court should have created a guardianship with the child’s aunt. OPINION HOLDS: The aunt lives out of state, her Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children home study expired, and she has not seen the child in person since the case’s inception. So, this is not a case where a guardianship would be appropriate. In addition, the father has unresolved domestic-violence and substance-use issues. Thus, the termination of his parental rights is in the child’s best interests, and we affirm.
Case No. 24-1225: In the Interest of Z.H., Minor Child
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Calhoun County, Joseph McCarville, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (10 pages)
The juvenile court terminated the mother’s parental rights to Z.H., born in November 2022, pursuant to Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(e), (g), (h), (k), and (l) (2023). The mother appeals, arguing (1) the juvenile court erred by failing to file a permanency order or make a ruling as to whether she should get additional time for reunification under section 232.104(2)(b); (2) “[t]he court erred in finding clear and convincing evidence that the child[] could not be returned under Iowa Code [section] 232.116”; (3) the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services failed to make reasonable efforts; (4) the court was wrong to find termination was appropriate under section 232.116(2) and (3) because the guardian ad litem failed to fulfill the duties required by section 232.2(25)(b). OPINION HOLDS: Following our de novo review of the record, we affirm.
Case No. 24-1226: In the Interest of F.C., Minor Child
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Mahaska County, Patrick McAvan, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (8 pages)
A mother and father separately appeal the termination of their parental rights, arguing that they should be given more time for reunification and that termination is not in the son’s best interest. OPINION HOLDS: We find that there is clear and convincing evidence that termination of both parents’ parental rights is in the son’s best interest. Because neither parent asked for more time for reunification in the juvenile court, they did not preserve error on that issue.
Case No. 24-1316: In the Interest of S.S. and I.S., Minor Children
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Christine Dalton, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (3 pages)
The mother appeals the juvenile court’s dispositional review order in these child-in-need-of-assistance (CINA) proceedings, claiming the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services failed to make reasonable efforts to reunify her with the children and the juvenile court should have concluded the CINA proceedings have served their purpose and close the cases. OPINION HOLDS: Because these claims are contrary to the stance the mother took at the dispositional review hearing, she waived her right to challenge these rulings. We affirm.
Case No. 24-1326: In the Interest of S.M., Minor Child
Filed Oct 02, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, Hunter W. Thorpe, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (6 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights, arguing that the district court should have applied a permissive exception to preclude termination. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our de novo review, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0361: Joy Trueblood, M.D. v. MMIC Insurance, Inc.
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Samantha Gronewald, Judge. AFFIRMED ON APPEAL AND CROSS-APPEAL. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (16 pages)
Dr. Joy Trueblood appeals the summary judgment ruling dismissing her tort claims against her insurance carrier, MMIC Insurance, Inc., under the Full Faith and Credit Clause because the same claims were previously dismissed in a Minnesota state court proceeding. MMIC cross-appeals the denial of its requests for sanctions against Trueblood for filing a frivolous suit for an improper purpose. OPINION HOLDS: The Minnesota judgment is a final decision on the merits reached after Trueblood had a full and fair opportunity to litigate her claims. The Full Faith and Credit Clause thus demands that we give our sister state’s judgment preclusive effect, foreclosing Trueblood’s second try at suing MMIC. Even so, we cannot say that the district court abused its discretion in declining to sanction Trueblood for filing this suit.
Case No. 23-0643: Bennett v. Mrstik
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Page County, Michael Hooper, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (10 pages)
Chad Bennett appeals the dismissal of his action for failing to timely serve the defendants. OPINION HOLDS: Because Bennett did not show good cause for the delayed service and the court properly determined directing an alternate manner of service was unwarranted, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0688: State of Iowa v. Dwight Charles Evans
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Jeffrey L. Poulson and Roger L. Sailer, Judges. AFFIRMED. Heard by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (24 pages)
A jury found Dwight Evans guilty of first-degree murder and going armed with intent following the shooting death of Martez Harrison. Evans, who was seventeen at the time of the shooting, was later sentenced to life imprisonment with the eligibility for parole after twenty years. On appeal, he argues (1) the district court erred in admitting the recording of a jail phone call as non-hearsay by co-conspirators because there was insufficient evidence that Evans was engaged in a conspiracy with them, (2) neither of his convictions is supported by substantial evidence, and (3) the district court abused its discretion in sentencing him to a mandatory minimum of twenty years before he becomes eligible for parole. OPINION HOLDS: Because the district court did not commit reversible error in admitting a recorded jail phone call that contained the conversation of Evans’s co-conspirators and substantial evidence supports each of his convictions, we affirm Evans’s convictions. And because the court neither considered inappropriate information nor abused its discretion in weighing the various factors allowed to be considered, we affirm Evans’s sentences.
Case No. 23-0867: Larry L. Heishman and James D. Heishman v. Farm Credit Services of America, PCA
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Poweshiek County, David Nelmark, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (8 pages)
Farmers claim a waiver contained in a restructuring agreement with their former financial lender is not enforceable because they entered into the agreement under economic duress. OPINION HOLDS: The record does not establish a fact question as to whether the farmers involuntarily accepted the terms of the restructuring agreement. As a result, the farmers cannot claim economic duress to avoid application of the waiver provision contained in the agreement.
Case No. 23-0912: State of Iowa v. James Shiloh Klever
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Scott J. Beattie, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Sandy, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Vogel, S.J. (8 pages)
A defendant challenges whether substantial evidence supports his conviction for murder in the first-degree. OPINION HOLDS: Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, the jury could conclude the circumstances of the defendant’s actions—a course of violent conduct that escalated until the victim was not just unconscious, but dead—showed the defendant specifically intended to kill her. As well, the defendant’s use of a baseball bat supports the jury’s conclusion that he acted with malice aforethought. Accordingly, substantial evidence supports the defendant’s conviction for murder in the first degree.
Case No. 23-0928: State of Iowa v. Joseph Khadori Awino
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, Adria Kester and Amy M. Moore, Judges. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., Schumacher, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Potterfield, S.J. (15 pages)
A jury found Joseph Awino guilty of four counts of willful injury causing serious injury, and the district court sentenced Awino to four ten-year terms of incarceration to be served consecutively, for a total term of incarceration not to exceed forty years. Awino appeals his convictions and sentences, arguing (1) there is insufficient evidence to support the convictions; (2) the district court erred by admitting hearsay testimony; (3) his motion for substitute counsel for sentencing should have been granted; (4) the district court abused its discretion in denying his motion to continue sentencing, and (5) the district court abused its discretion in imposing consecutive sentences. OPINION HOLDS: Because it was not properly preserved, we do not consider Awino’s hearsay claim. We affirm his convictions because they are supported by substantial evidence. And because the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying his motion for substitute counsel for sentencing, his motion to continue sentencing, or in imposing sentence, we also affirm his sentences.
Case No. 23-0964: State of Iowa v. Hope Jennifer Clark
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Des Moines County, Emily Dean, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (13 pages)
Hope Clark appeals her conviction for operating while intoxicated. She challenges the sufficiency of the evidence, the district court’s denial of her motion to suppress, and the district court’s admission of evidence she claims is hearsay not subject to an exception. OPINION HOLDS: Clark’s conviction is supported by substantial evidence. The district court did not err in denying Clark’s motion to suppress. The evidence Clark claims is hearsay did not amount to hearsay because it was admitted to explain officers’ responsive conduct rather than for the truth of the matter asserted. Even if the evidence went beyond the explaining responsive conduct, Clark failed to object to the evidence as going beyond the permissive scope. Moreover, the State established that even if the evidence was improperly admitted for the truth of the matter asserted, it did not result in prejudice.
Case No. 23-0996: In the Interest of T.K., Minor Child
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Lee (South) County, Jonathan Stensvaag, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., and Langholz and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (8 pages)
A mother appeals the private termination of her parental rights under Iowa Code chapter 600A, arguing that termination is not in her daughter’s best interest. OPINION HOLDS: Giving the district court’s factual findings their due weight, we find the mother has not assumed the duties of a parent and termination best serves the daughter’s long-term needs.
Case No. 23-1027: State of Iowa v. Brienna Lynn Kerlin
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Floyd County, Peter B. Newell, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Mullins, S.J. Opinion by Mullins, S.J. (6 pages)
Brienna Kerlin challenges the sufficiency of the evidence supporting her conviction for violating a custodial order, claiming the State failed to meet its burden to show she concealed her child from the child’s father. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the conviction as supported by substantial evidence.
Case No. 23-1104: James Russell Walden, Jr. v. State of Iowa
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Scott J. Beattie, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Langholz, J., and Mullins, S.J. Opinion by Mullins, S.J. (7 pages)
An applicant appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief, claiming the district court erred in rejecting his claims of ineffective assistance of counsel. OPINION HOLDS: Finding counsel were not ineffective as alleged, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1178: State of Iowa v. Danielle Shante Weiner
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Delaware County, Michael J. Shubatt, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, P.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (9 pages)
A defendant appeals her conviction and sentence for second-degree murder, arguing that the district court committed reversible error when it submitted Iowa Code section 704.2B(2) as a jury instruction over her objection at trial. OPINION HOLDS: Weiner has not preserved error on her constitutional arguments. And since the challenged instruction is a correct statement of law, applies to the facts here, and is not embodied elsewhere in the instructions, we affirm Weiner’s conviction and sentence.
Case No. 23-1383: Brandon Joseph Christopher Seim v. State of Iowa
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Wapello County, Crystal S. Cronk, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Sandy, J., and Telleen, S.J. Opinion by Telleen, S.J. (7 pages)
Brandon Seim appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief, claiming the district court wrongly rejected his claim of ineffective assistance of counsel. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no breach or prejudice, we affirm the denial of Seim’s application.
Case No. 23-1421: In re Marriage of Mentz
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Monica Zrinyi Ackley, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Badding, P.J. (13 pages)
A husband appeals the decree dissolving his marriage, claiming the district court abused its discretion in allowing his wife to amend her pleading to request physical care and sanctioning him for discovery violations. He also claims the court erred in determining physical care without considering the child’s best interests and dividing the parties’ property. Both parties request an award of appellate attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the dissolution of the parties’ marriage, grant of joint legal custody, and division of property, but we reverse the district court’s order placing the minor child in Kelsey’s physical care. We remand for the prompt conduct of a new evidentiary hearing before a new judicial officer on the issues of physical care, visitation, and child support. Both parties’ request for appellate attorney fees are denied.
Case No. 23-1646: State of Iowa v. Michael Craig Glynn
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Boone County, John R. Flynn, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (14 pages)
Michael Glynn appeals his convictions for first-degree arson, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, and third-degree burglary. He challenges the district court’s denial of his motion to change venue and the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his convictions. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1656: H.D. Supply Management, Inc. and New Hampshire Insurance Company v. Kenneth E. Smith
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Scott J. Beattie, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (10 pages)
Kenneth Smith appeals an interlocutory district court order staying enforcement of a workers’ compensation award pending judicial review under Iowa Code section 17A.19(5) (2023) and refusing to enter judgment on the award under section 86.42. While this interlocutory appeal was pending, the district court reversed and remanded the award to the workers’ compensation commissioner. OPINION HOLDS: Because the judicial review proceeding ended while this interlocutory appeal was pending and the workers’ compensation award has now been reversed and remanded, this appeal is moot. Any ruling in this case would not affect either party. And this appeal does not satisfy the public importance exception to mootness because deciding this appeal would provide little additional guidance on the law governing stays and enforcement of workers’ compensation awards during judicial review proceedings.
Case No. 23-1912: In re Marriage of Shada
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Harrison County, Craig M. Dreismeier, Judge. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Mullins, S.J. Opinion by Badding, P.J. (13 pages)
A father appeals the decree dissolving his marriage, arguing the district court erred in placing his children in their mother’s physical care. Both parties request an award of appellate attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: On our de novo review of the record, we modify the decree to place the children in the father’s physical care. We remand the matter to the district court to determine the mother’s visitation and child support. We deny both parties’ requests for appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-1987: Jaime Hernandez v. Caithlin Kuhre-Holmquist
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Muscatine County, Tamra Roberts, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (3 pages)
A mother appeals a modification order, which altered a physical care award and established a child support obligation. As the mother’s appellate brief fails to materially comply with the Iowa Rules of Appellate Procedure, we do not reach the merits of the appeal. Opinion holds: We affirm without further opinion.
Case No. 23-2093: In the Interest of A.C.P., Minor Child
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Crawford County, Steven J. Andreasen, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (8 pages)
In a chapter 600A private termination action, the father challenges the district court ruling granting the mother’s petition to terminate his parental rights. The father, who is incarcerated in federal prison in Mississippi and does not expect to be released until 2028, argues the court was wrong to conclude he abandoned his child under section 600A.8(3)(b)(2). He also argues termination is not in the child’s best interests. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find the father abandoned his child under section 600A.8(3)(b)(2) and it is in the best interest of the child to terminate the father’s parental rights, we affirm the decision of the district court.
Case No. 23-2119: In the Interest of L.A. and L.A., Minor Children
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Plymouth County, Daniel P. Vakulskas, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Badding, P.J. (15 pages)
A father appeals the private termination of his parental rights. He challenges the statutory grounds for termination and claims termination is not in the children’s best interests. The father additionally asserts ineffective-assistance-of-counsel claims. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no cause for reversal, we affirm the termination of the father’s rights.
Case No. 24-0552: In the Interest of T.T., Minor Child
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Susan Cox, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Badding, J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Carr, S.J. (7 pages)
A father appeals the district court’s termination of his parental rights, arguing the termination was not in the child’s best interest. OPINION HOLDS: We hold that terminating the father’s parental rights was in the child’s best interest and thus affirm the district court ruling.
Case No. 24-0676: In the Interest of J.R. and B.R., Minor Children
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Brent Pattison, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (6 pages)
A mother appeals termination of her parental rights to two children. OPINION HOLDS: The mother waived the issues on appeal by failing to appear personally or contest the termination of her rights. Even if not waived, we find the statutory grounds for termination have been met and termination is in the children’s best interests. We affirm.
Case No. 24-0915: In the Interest of M.H., Minor Child
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Appanoose County, Richelle Mahaffey, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (7 pages)
A mother challenges the removal of her infant son, his adjudication as a child in need of assistance, and the juvenile court’s dispositional order continuing his placement outside her home. OPINION HOLDS: The mother’s claims about the initial removal are moot. As for the adjudication and disposition, clear and convincing evidence in the record supports the juvenile court’s findings. So we affirm.
Case No. 24-1004: In the Interest of Z.W. and D.W., Minor Children
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Daniel L. Block, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (5 pages)
A parent appeals the denial of an extension of time to delay termination and achieve reunification. OPINION HOLDS: Finding the parent will be unable to safely resume care of the children in six months, we affirm.
Case No. 24-1091: In the Interest of J.W. and A.W., Minor Children
Filed Sep 18, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Daniel L. Block, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART, VACATED AND REMANDED IN PART. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (8 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to two children. OPINION HOLDS: I. Clear and convincing evidence supports terminating the mother’s parental rights to A.W. under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(h) (2024). II. Because J.W. was four years old at the time of the termination hearing, he does not meet the requirements for terminating the mother’s parental rights under section 232.116(1)(h). The record does not show that the mother failed to maintain significant and meaningful contact with J.W to satisfy the requirements for terminating under section 232.116(1)(e). We vacate the portion of the juvenile court’s order terminating the mother’s parental rights to J.W. and remand for further proceedings.
Case No. 23-0540: In re the Marriage of Bell
Filed Sep 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Monica Zrinyi Ackley, Judge. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED ON APPEAL; AFFIRMED ON CROSS-APPEAL. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Langholz, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Langholz, J. (13 pages)
Barrett Bell appeals from the decree dissolving his marriage to Elena Bell, alleging district court misconduct and arguing the district court failed to make an equitable property distribution. Elena Bell cross-appeals, also challenging the property division. Both parties request an award of appellate attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: We hold that Barrett Bell did not preserve error on the question of judicial misconduct and that the district court’s distribution of property was equitable. But we modify the decree to clarify that Barrett’s ordered payment to Elena is the full extent of his responsibility for her debts and any remaining balance on the Discover credit card remains assigned to Elena. And we deny both parties’ requests for appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-0558: State of Iowa v. Michelle Renee Evans
Filed Sep 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Cass County, Justin Wyatt, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., Chicchelly, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Doyle, S.J. (6 pages)
Michelle Evans appeals her convictions and sentences after pleading guilty to four counts of animal neglect with injury. Evans contends her pleas were not knowing and voluntary because the district court did not inform her of the maximum possible punishment she faced. She also contends the court abused its sentencing discretion by imposing sentences of incarceration. OPINION HOLDS: Because Evans makes no claim that she would not have pleaded guilty if she had been informed that the court could impose consecutive sentences and the district court did not abuse its sentencing discretion, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0722: State Public Defender v. Iowa District Court for Dallas County
Filed Sep 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dallas County, Randy V. Hefner, Judge. WRIT SUSTAINED, DISTRICT COURT ORDER VACATED, REMANDED WITH INSTRUCTIONS. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (10 pages)
The State Public Defender filed a petition for writ of certiorari concerning the district court’s assignment of a portion of the cost of a competency evaluation. OPINION HOLDS: The district court lacked authority to assign a portion of the cost of the competency evaluation ordered by the court sua sponte to the State Public Defender. We reverse and remand for entry of an order consistent with this opinion.
Case No. 23-0794: State of Iowa v. Gregory Michael Davis
Filed Sep 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Sean McPartland, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Buller, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Gamble, S.J. (24 pages)
A criminal appeals his conviction for murder in the second degree, arguing he should have been found not guilty by reason of insanity, and alternatively, insufficient evidence supports the jury finding his stabbing of his girlfriend was the cause of her death rather than a methamphetamine overdose. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the district court’s determination the defendant did not prove the elements of the insanity defense by a preponderance of the evidence and conclude substantial evidence supports the court’s finding of cause of death. We affirm.
Case No. 23-0843: State of Iowa v. Shatani D. Buck Jr.
Filed Sep 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Poweshiek County, Rose Anne Mefford and Shawn R. Showers, Judges. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., Chicchelly, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Vogel, S.J. (12 pages)
Shatani Buck, Jr. was convicted of possession of marijuana after he produced a bag of marijuana while being transported to jail on an unrelated charge. On appeal, Buck challenges whether evidence should have been suppressed because he was interrogated without a Miranda warning, whether the State proved he possessed marijuana, and whether the jury was correctly instructed on controlled marijuana versus hemp. OPINION HOLDS: Because Buck was not interrogated, the district court properly denied his motion to suppress. There was sufficient evidence for the jury to find the substance Buck had on his person was marijuana, a controlled substance. Finally, the jury instruction properly stated the applicable law and the court was not required to include Buck’s proposed wording. Accordingly, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0868: In re Estate of Jackson
Filed Sep 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Clarke County, Brad McCall, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND REMANDED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (8 pages)
Co-executors of an estate appeal a district court order interpreting a provision in a will providing a beneficiary the opportunity to purchase real property from the estate. OPINION HOLDS: The clear and unambiguous language of the will does not support the purchase price of the property sought by the co-executors, so we do not disturb the purchase price set by the district court. However, the district court prematurely terminated the beneficiary’s rental obligation on the property prior to its purchase. We vacate the portion of the district court’s order providing specific financing options for the beneficiary. And we vacate the portion of the district court’s order holding the estate responsible for a portion of damages to the property.
Case No. 23-0885: Duane Maynord Huffer v. Iowa District Court for Story County
Filed Sep 04, 2024
Certiorari from the Iowa District Court for Story County, Steven Van Marel, Judge. WRIT ANNULLED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Carr, S.J. (6 pages)
The defendant to an extension of no contact order petitions for writ of certiorari, arguing the district court committed numerous errors in granting the extension. OPINION HOLDS: Because the defendant has not preserved error on any of the issues raised in his petition, we annul the writ of certiorari.
Case No. 23-1261: City of Donnellson, Iowa v. Julie Walljasper
Filed Sep 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Lee (North) County, Joshua P. Schier, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (11 pages)
Julie Walljasper appeals from a judgment finding her residential building abandoned and awarding title to the city under Iowa Code section 657A.10B (2021). She challenges the abandonment finding, mainly arguing that she made enough improvements to avoid losing the property. And she challenges an evidentiary ruling about the scope of her cross-examination of the city’s main witness. OPINION HOLDS: On our de novo review, affording due weight to the district court’s factual findings, we agree that the evidence shows the house sits vacant, continues to deteriorate, and is unfit for human occupancy. Walljasper indeed made some improvements. But she only took meaningful steps after this petition was filed. And those eleventh-hour fixes were not enough to abate the house’s dilapidated condition. We thus find the house has been abandoned and the court properly awarded title to the city. As for the evidentiary ruling, the district court reasonably limited the scope of Walljasper’s cross-examination, and she did not try to raise the issue herself during her direct testimony. So we find no abuse of discretion.
Case No. 23-1349: State of Iowa v. Eugene Frederick Wunschel Jr.
Filed Sep 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Sac County, Adria Kester, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (7 pages)
Eugene Frederick Wunschel, Jr appeals his sentence following an Alford plea, arguing the State breached the plea agreement in a related case so the judge who sentenced that case should have recused herself from his sentencing. OPINION HOLDS: The sentencing in the related case is not part of this record, but even if we assume the State breached the plea agreement, Fred cannot show an abuse of discretion in his sentencing. He has not shown the district court harbored any bias stemming from an extrajudicial source. We find no abuse of discretion and affirm.
Case No. 23-1635: Russell Alan Larson v. State of Iowa
Filed Sep 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Buchanan County, John J. Sullivan, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (10 pages)
Russell Larson was convicted of two counts of sexual abuse in the second degree in 2021. On appeal from the denial of his first postconviction-relief application, Larson argues he received ineffective assistance from trial counsel in several ways: (1) his attorney did not adequately communicate with him; (2) Larson’s attorney allowed him to waive his right to a jury trial without the waiver being knowing, intentional, and voluntary; (3) his attorney failed to review the video of his police interview with him; (4) his attorney failed to present medical evidence regarding a 2006 accident to his genitalia; and (5) his attorney did not adequately prepare for trial or cross-examine the witness. OPINION HOLDS: We find that Larson’s claim of ineffective assistance from counsel is meritless based on the facts in the record. We affirm the ruling of the trial court.
Case No. 23-1775: In re the Marriage of Dow
Filed Sep 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Page County, Margaret Reyes, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Langholz, J. (9 pages)
Joshua Dow appeals the district court’s order modifying the joint-physical-care provision of the parties’ dissolution decree to place their children in Ashley Herzberg’s physical care. He argues that modification is not in the children’s best interests and that no substantial change in circumstances has occurred. OPINION HOLDS: Giving the district court’s factual findings the deference they deserve, we agree that there has been a substantial change in circumstances not contemplated at the time of the decree and that placing the children in Herzberg’s physical care is in the children’s best interests. And we deny Dow’s request for appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-2044: State of Iowa v. Esai Reno Filomeno Castillo
Filed Sep 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Cerro Gordo County, Karen Kaufman Salic, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (6 pages)
Esai Reno Filomeno Castillo appeals his sentence after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor, contending the court abused its discretion when sentencing him by failing to consider certain mitigating factors and improperly relying on others. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find no abuse of discretion, we affirm the sentence.
Case No. 23-2048: State of Iowa v. Antonio David Gomez-Evans
Filed Sep 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Lawrence McLellan, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (7 pages)
A party appeals the imposition of three consecutive sentences, for a total of 20-years, on grounds that the trial court did not consider his mitigating circumstances. OPINION HOLDS: Because the trial court included the defendant’s allocution in the determination of sentence, we affirm the sentence as imposed.
Case No. 23-2083: State of Iowa v. Brandon Michael Holloway
Filed Sep 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Zachary Hindman, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., Badding, J., and Telleen, S.J. Opinion by Telleen, S.J. (3 pages)
A defendant appeals the district court’s sentencing decision denying his request for a deferred judgment on a felony charge. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no abuse of discretion, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0055: In re the Marriage of Awe
Filed Sep 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Hardin County, James C. Ellefson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Langholz, J. (8 pages)
Michaela Hale appeals an order modifying the physical-care provisions of the parties’ dissolution decree to place their children in the physical care of Steven Awe rather than in her care. OPINION HOLDS: Hale’s 300-mile move from Estherville to Kirksville, Missouri, is a substantial change in circumstances. And we agree with the district court that Awe has met his heavy burden to show that placing the children in his physical care is in the children’s best interests.
Case No. 24-0786: In the Interest of I.D., M.M., A.M., M.M., and L.M., Minor Children
Filed Sep 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Carrie K. Bryner, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., Badding, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Bower, S.J. (8 pages)
Parents separately appeal the termination of their parental rights. Both challenge the statutory grounds for termination. They also claim termination is not in the children’s “best interests”—the mother by pointing to her bond with the children and the father by requesting additional time. OPINION HOLDS: Upon review, we affirm on both appeals.
Case No. 24-0907: In the Interest of W.P., Minor Child
Filed Sep 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Brent Pattison, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Buller, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Vogel, S.J. (10 pages)
A father appeals from the termination of his parental rights to his child under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(h) (2024). OPINION HOLDS: Because the father’s own choices and circumstances, not the actions of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, kept him from caring for his child; the child could not be returned to his custody at the time of the termination hearing; termination is in the child’s best interests; and there are no statutory impediments to termination; we affirm.
Case No. 24-0987: In the Interest of A.M. and Z.M., Minor Children
Filed Sep 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Clarke County, Monty Franklin, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Sandy, J., and Mullins, S.J. Opinion by Mullins, S.J. (3 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no cause for reversal, we affirm the termination of the mother’s rights.
Case No. 24-1003: In the Interest of D.A. and G.P., Minor Children
Filed Sep 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Wapello County, Richelle Mahaffey, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Chicchelly, P.J., Buller, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Doyle, S.J. (9 pages)
The mother of D.A and G.P. and the father of G.P. separately appeal the termination of their parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the termination of both the mother’s and father’s parental rights.
Case No. 24-1006: In the Interest of M.N., Minor Child
Filed Sep 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Erik I. Howe, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (7 pages)
The mother of one-year-old M.N. appeals from the dispositional order in the child-in-need-of-assistance proceedings, challenging the juvenile court’s decision the child could not yet be returned to her custody. OPINION HOLDS: Because M.N. would face further adjudicatory harm if returned to the mother’s custody at this time, we affirm the juvenile court’s dispositional order.
Case No. 24-1072: In the Interest of N.E., Minor Child
Filed Sep 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Warren County, Mark F. Schlenker, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (7 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her child. She contends the State failed to prove the grounds for termination cited by the juvenile court and termination is not in the best interests of the child. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm.
Case No. 24-1085: In the Interest of M.J., Minor Child
Filed Sep 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Cynthia S. Finley, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Sandy, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Bower, S.J. (9 pages)
Parents separately appeal the termination of their parental rights to their child. Both challenge the statutory grounds for termination. The mother further claims termination is not in the child’s best interests due to the bond she shares with the child and requests additional time to work toward reunification. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm on both appeals.
Case No. 24-1114: In the Interest of J.S., G.S., and D.L., Minor Children
Filed Sep 04, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Mahaska County, Patrick J. McAvan, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (7 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her three children. OPINON HOLDS: Termination is in the children’s best interests. We do not grant the mother any additional time to work towards reunification.
Case No. 22-0511: Christopher Joseph Yenger v. State of Iowa
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Wapello County, Lucy J. Gamon, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (9 pages)
Christopher Yenger seeks postconviction relief from his two felony murder convictions. He alleges his trial attorneys were ineffective for not calling an expert witness to challenge the State’s arson evidence. The district court denied relief, finding Yenger failed to show that the attorneys’ strategic decisions breached an essential duty or prejudiced Yenger’s defense. OPINION HOLDS: In our de novo review, we reach the same conclusions and affirm.
Case No. 22-1314: Shawn Patrick Shelton v. State of Iowa
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Lucas County, Dustria A. Relph, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Danilson, S.J. (8 pages)
Shawn Shelton appeals the grant of summary disposition of his application for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: As there is no genuine issue of material fact, the district court correctly granted the State’s motion for summary disposition.
Case No. 23-0120: Charles Leonard Cain, Jr. v. State of Iowa
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Robert B. Hanson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (9 pages)
An applicant appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the denial of postconviction relief, concluding the applicant did not establish the prejudice prong of his claim of ineffective assistance of counsel.
Case No. 23-0149: State of Iowa v. Isaach Oloya Anywar
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Scott J. Beattie, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, J. Opinion by Buller, J. (9 pages)
A criminal defendant appeals his conviction for robbery in the first degree. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find no abuse of discretion by the district court and no prejudice in any alleged evidentiary error, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0171: State of Iowa v. Cody James Ruden
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Ian K. Thornhill, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers, J., and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (13 pages)
In this direct appeal, Cody Ruden appeals the sentences imposed following his guilty pleas, claiming ineffective assistance of counsel and violation of the plea agreement by the prosecutor. OPINION HOLDS: We lack authority to address Ruden’s ineffective assistance claim on direct appeal. And the State did not breach a promise in arguing for incarceration as agreed to in the plea agreement. Accordingly, we affirm. DISSENT ASSERTS: I view the prosecutor’s sentencing recommendation as a violation of the plea agreement because the prosecutor failed to adequately endorse the State’s sentencing recommendation and impliedly expressed reservations about the recommendation. I would vacate the sentences and remand for resentencing before a different judge.
Case No. 23-0176: In re the Marriage of Burlage
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Delaware County, Chad A. Kepros, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Langholz, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Langholz, J. (9 pages)
Tyler Burlage appeals the denial of his petition to vacate the decree dissolving his marriage to Jennifer Helle under Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.1012. He argues that the district court erred in denying his petition because he failed to show that his grounds for relief were not and could not have been discovered in time to move for a new trial under rule 1.1004. OPINION HOLDS: Substantial evidence supports the district court’s finding that Burlage’s grounds for relief were all known to him within the fifteen-day window for filing a motion for a new trial. And so, the district court did not error in denying Burlage’s petition to vacate the parties’ stipulated dissolution decree.
Case No. 23-0320: Stephanie Hanner v. Adam Smith, M.D., Adam Smith, M.D., P.C., and Tri-State Specialists, L.L.P.
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Steven J. Andreasen, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., Langholz, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (4 pages)
Adam Smith, M.D.; Adam Smith, M.D., P.C.; and Tri-State Specialists, L.L.P. appeal the district court’s denial of their motion to strike an expert and for summary judgment. OPINION HOLDS: Because the plaintiff failed to submit a timely certificate of merit affidavit from an expert witness licensed to practice in the defendants’ field, we reverse and remand for dismissal of the claims requiring a certificate-of-merit affidavit.
Case No. 23-0336: Leon Devon Brand Jr. v. State of Iowa
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Linda M. Fangman, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly, and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (7 pages)
Leon Brand appeals the denial of his postconviction-relief application, alleging his counsel was ineffective for not appearing at a hearing to reconsider his sentence and for not investigating the disciplinary report that formed the basis for the court’s decision to decline to reconsider his sentence. OPINION HOLDS: Brand has not proved his counsel breached an essential duty by failing to appear and argue at a nonexistent hearing or by failing to investigate a prison disciplinary report. He also failed to establish prejudice. As a result, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0345: Anthony Guy Stoner v. State of Iowa
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, David Porter, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Carr, S.J. (8 pages)
Anthony Stoner appeals the dismissal of his application for postconviction relief (PCR), alleging his trial counsel failed to inform him of a previous plea offer and that his PCR counsel was ineffective for failing to develop the record on that issue. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the district court’s dismissal because Stoner has not preserved error on the issue of the previous plea offer, failed to sufficiently state the ways in which PCR counsel was ineffective, and has not alleged any prejudice occurred based on the ineffectiveness of his trial or PCR counsel.
Case No. 23-0395: State of Iowa v. Douglas Raymond Spurgeon
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Wapello County, Crystal S. Cronk, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Buller, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Potterfield, S.J. (14 pages)
Douglas Spurgeon appeals following his convictions for second-degree murder (count I), assault while participating in a felony causing serious injury (count II), and going armed with intent (count III). Spurgeon contends (1) the greater weight of credible evidence supports a finding someone else’s actions caused the death of Gerald Sapp, so his motion for new trial should have been granted; (2) it was legally inconsistent for the jury to acquit him of first-degree murder but find him guilty of assault while participating in a felony causing serious injury and going armed with intent; and (3) counts II and III should merge with count I. OPINION HOLDS: Because the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Spurgeon’s motion for new trial based on the weight of the evidence, Spurgeon’s claim that the jury rendered inconsistent verdicts is without merit, and counts II and III do not merge with Spurgeon’s conviction for second-degree murder, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0434: State of Iowa v. Jason Michael Pirie
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Greene County, Joseph McCarville, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Buller, P.J., Bower, S.J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion Per Curiam. Partial dissent by Gamble, S.J. (27 pages)
Jason Pirie challenges his conviction and sentence for third-degree theft, an aggravated misdemeanor. He argues (1) the judge should have granted his motion to recuse based on the judge’s prior representation of Pirie in two criminal matters and a recent statement made by the judge that raised a question regarding his impartiality; (2) the district court erred in allowing hearsay testimony from a police officer during the criminal trial; (3) the district court should have granted his motion for new trial based on the unavailability of a material witness; (4) the district court violated his rights by conducting a remote sentencing proceeding without first obtaining his waiver of the right to in-person sentencing; and (5) the district court abused its discretion by sentencing him to a consecutive prison term for the crime of stealing $55 worth of alcohol. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm Pirie’s conviction—we cannot say the district court abused its discretion in denying Pirie’s motion to recuse; while we assume without deciding the court erroneously admitted hearsay testimony, it was not reversible error because the evidence of Pirie’s guilt is overwhelming; and we do not consider Pirie’s new-trial argument because he failed to preserve error. Because Pirie failed to preserve error as was required on his remote-sentencing claim and the district court did not abuse its discretion in imposing sentence, we affirm Pirie’s sentence. PARTIAL DISSENT ASSERTS: I concur with the parts of the per curiam opinion dealing with recusal and unavailability of a witness. However, I respectfully dissent on the issues of hearsay and remote sentencing. I would reverse the judgment and remand for a new trial because the district court erroneously admitted implied hearsay on the central issue of identification, which was prejudicial to Pirie. If I reached the sentencing issue, I would also find Pirie was not required to preserve error on the remote sentencing procedure. Because I believe the district court did not obtain Pirie’s consent to remote sentencing, I would remand for in-person sentencing.
Case No. 23-0565: Scheer Agri-Enterprises, Inc. v. Norsvin USA, LLC d/b/a Topigs Norsvin USA and Ledger Swine Farms, Inc.
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Iowa County, David M. Cox, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Tabor and Greer, JJ., but decided by Tabor, P.J., Greer, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Bower, S.J. (22 pages)
Scheer Agri-Enterprises, Inc., appeals the district court’s orders granting summary judgment in favor of Ledger Swine Farms, Inc., and Norsvin USA, LLC, d/b/a Topigs Norsvin USA and dismissing Scheer’s claims of negligence, breach of contract, breach of implied warranty, and vicarious liabilty. OPINION HOLDS: Upon review, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0649: Anthony J. Manatt v. Bradford J. Manatt
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Delaware County, Monica Zrinyi Ackley, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard en banc, but decided by Tabor, C.J., Greer, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. (18 pages)
Bradford Manatt appeals the summary judgment order finding he must offer his shares of a company to his brother, Anthony Manatt under a mandatory buy-sell agreement. Brad argues there are genuine issues of material fact about the enforceability of the buy-sell agreement. He also argues his affirmative defenses require determination by a jury. OPINION HOLDS: Because the record reveals no jury question on the enforceability of the buy-sell agreement and Brad did not preserve error on affirmative defenses, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0738: State of Iowa v. Isaiah Cecil Hakeem Duffield
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Fayette County, Richard D. Stochl, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (8 pages)
Isaiah Duffield appeals his conviction for sexual abuse in the third degree and the ruling on his motion for a new trial, arguing that insufficient evidence supports his conviction and that the court applied the wrong standard when deciding whether to grant a new trial. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find sufficient evidence supports the conviction and the district court applied the correct standard in ruling on Duffield’s motion for new trial, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0745: State of Iowa v. Justin Michael Lee Dye
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Melissa Anderson-Seeber, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (11 pages)
A criminal defendant appeals his conviction for sexual abuse in the second degree. OPINION HOLDS: Because the district did not err in admitting the child’s forensic interview or abuse its discretion in ruling on the motion for new trial, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1009: In re Estate of White
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Stuart P. Werling, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Badding, P.J. (9 pages)
A party appeals the denial of his petition to open a small estate in probate. OPINION HOLDS: Because the petition only challenges one of the independent grounds for the denial of his petition, we affirm the denial under the unchallenged grounds. SPECIAL CONCURRENCE ASSERTS: I join the court’s well-reasoned opinion in full but write separately to emphasize three points. First, our opinion affirming does not prevent Piper from filing a new petition. Second, we do not decide that a party must be represented by an attorney to petition to open administration of a small probate estate. And third—contrary to Piper’s assumption—it does not appear that the district court dismissed his petition because he lacked an attorney either.
Case No. 23-1155: East Vernon Heights Association, Inc. v. Cobie Brewster
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Lars G. Anderson, Andrew Chappel, and Chad Kepros, Judges. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (7 pages)
Appellant argues the district court erred in granting summary judgment based on the Appellant’s failure to file a resistance. OPINION HOLDS: Finding summary judgment was proper, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1218: State of Iowa v. Patrick Scullark
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Linda M. Fangman, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, C.J. Dissent by Buller, J. (29 pages)
A defendant appeals his convictions for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver and failure to affix a tax stamp stemming from a search of his bag during his arrest. OPINION HOLDS: Because the defendant had no realistic ability to access the fanny pack after he was handcuffed and escorted to the patrol car, the search did not meet the incident-to-arrest exception to the warrant requirement. Thus, we reverse the suppression ruling and remand for further proceedings. DISSENT ASSERTS: As I would follow longstanding state and federal law on search incident to arrest instead of placing officers at risk, I dissent.
Case No. 23-1273: Dewann Marquis Stone v. State of Iowa
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Scott J. Beattie, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (2 pages)
An applicant appeals the dismissal of his untimely third application for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: Because the application was filed outside the statute of limitations, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1357: XPO Logistics and Indemnity Insurance Group Company of North America v. Craig Ivester
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Heather Lauber, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Badding, J. (6 pages)
An employer appeals a district court ruling on judicial review affirming a workers’ compensation decision that awarded an employee permanent total disability benefits. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the district court’s conclusions that the challenged findings are supported by substantial evidence.
Case No. 23-1601: In the Interest of B.M., Minor Child
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marion County, Steven Guiter, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (8 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights, arguing the grounds for termination have not been met and termination is not in the child’s best interest. OPINION HOLDS: While the mother improperly interfered with the father’s efforts at contacting the child, the lack of contact required by the statute was caused more by the father’s lack of effort. The mother established a statutory ground for termination, and that termination is in the child’s best interest, so we affirm.
Case No. 23-1612: In the Matter of F.T.
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Jessica Noll, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (7 pages)
A person appeals from a court order committing her as a person with a substance-use disorder pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 125 (2023). OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, finding sufficient evidence to support commitment and that—assuming without deciding there is a right to effective counsel under chapter 125—counsel was not ineffective.
Case No. 23-1629: Thanh Ngoc Dao v. State of Iowa
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Paul D. Scott, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (4 pages)
An applicant appeals the dismissal of his application for postconviction relief, claiming he should have been excepted from the statute of limitations based on a new ground of law. OPINION HOLDS: Finding error was not preserved on the applicant’s claim for exception from the statute of limitations and he is otherwise not entitled to relief on the merits, we affirm dismissal of his application for postconviction relief.
Case No. 23-1801: Maryann Ida Cutshall v. Gage Joseph Olson
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Butler County, Gregg R. Rosenbladt, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Badding, P.J. (8 pages)
A father appeals a custody decree placing the parties’ children in the physical care of their mother. OPINION HOLDS: Deferring to the district court’s credibility findings, we affirm the district court’s physical-care decision. We deny the mother’s request for an award of appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-1809: Justin Loper v. Bark Chiropractic & Rehab Clinic, LLC. and Bradley Bark
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Muscatine County, Tamra Roberts, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., and Langholz and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (5 pages)
Justin Loper appeals from a jury verdict and district court judgment to the same finding the appellees, Bradley Bark, D.C. and Bark Chiropractic & Rehab Clinic, LLC, not liable for alleged injuries and damages sustained by Loper, arguing the district court erred in permitting cross-examination of an expert witness concerning prior allegations made by the Iowa Board of Medicine against the expert witness. OPINION HOLDS: Finding that Loper has failed to preserve error on his statutory argument, we affirm the district court’s judgment.
Case No. 23-1811: State of Iowa v. Jerod Michael Cox
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Bremer County, Peter B. Newell, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (7 pages)
Jerod Cox appeals the denial of his motion to suppress, arguing officers who seized him did not have reasonable suspicion to demand he exit his vehicle. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find the officer had reasonable suspicion to believe Cox was intoxicated, justifying Cox’s detention and the officers’ order for Cox to exit his vehicle, we affirm.
Case No. 23-2050: State of Iowa v. Darius Billy Hayes
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Patrick A. McElyea, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (3 pages)
A defendant appeals his criminal sentences. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no abuse of discretion or defect in sentencing procedure, we affirm.
Case No. 23-2053: Berlou Joe Barnard v. State of Iowa
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Jasper County, Charles C. Sinnard, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (3 pages)
The applicant appeals the denial of his postconviction relief application, asserting he sufficiently pled newly discovered evidence to bypass the statute of limitations. OPINION HOLDS: Because the applicant pled only a generic allegation of newly discovered evidence, with no facts or specifics to support it, we affirm dismissal of the application.
Case No. 23-2103: State of Iowa v. Michael Jon Radtke, Jr.
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Mark T. Hostager, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (5 pages)
Michael Radtke Jr. appeals his sentence for operating while intoxicated, second offense, arguing the district court abused its discretion by sentencing him to prison instead of a jail sentence with a suspended term of incarceration with probation. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find the district court did not abuse its discretion, we affirm.
Case No. 23-2104: State of Iowa v. Armstrong Kyne
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Kimberly J. Smith, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Chicchelly and Sandy, JJ. Opinion by Sandy, J. (6 pages)
Following his convictions for child endangerment and domestic abuse assault causing bodily injury, Armstrong Kyne appeals the revocation of his bond, arguing his statutory and constitutional rights were violated, as well as his sentence, arguing the district court made errors of law and considered inappropriate factors. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the district court ruling because we lack jurisdiction to address the issue of his bond revocation, and the district court made no abuse of discretion and considered no improper factors in his sentencing.
Case No. 24-0085: Brandon Daniel Ruiz v. State of Iowa
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Tamra J. Roberts, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, C.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. Dissent by Tabor, C.J. (10 pages)
Brandon Ruiz appeals the dismissal of his second application for postconviction relief (PCR). He asks us to adopt equitable tolling and, alternatively, claims he is entitled to relief because counsel for this PCR action failed to submit any filings on his behalf in the district court, resulting in the dismissal of his case. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the dismissal of Ruiz’s second PCR application. DISSENT ASSERTS: Because I believe that Ruiz was denied his right to effective assistance of postconviction counsel, I respectfully dissent.
Case No. 24-0799: In the Interest of L.R., Minor Child
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Greene County, Ashley Beisch, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Danilson, S.J. (10 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: The State established a statutory ground for termination. Termination is in the child’s best interests. We decline to apply any permissive exceptions to termination or to establish a guardianship in lieu of termination. We do not grant the mother any additional time to work towards reunification.
Case No. 24-0874: In the Interest of D.W., Minor Child
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Warren County, Kevin Parker, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (8 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of parental rights and denial of her request for additional time. OPINION HOLDS: Despite the deficiencies in the juvenile court’s ruling, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0981: In the Interest of T.S., Minor Child
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Fayette County, Linnea M.N. Nichol, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART AND VACATED IN PART. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (10 pages)
A mother appeals a bridge order entered in a child-in-need-of-assistance proceeding. OPINION HOLDS: I. We affirm the issuance of a bridge order granting the parents joint legal custody of the child and placing the child in the father’s physical care. We vacate the portion of the order conditioning the mother’s ability to exercise visitation with the child on access to the mother’s confidential medical and mental-health records. II. We find no due process violation based on the incomplete transcript of the permanency hearing.
Case No. 24-0995: In the Interest of K.R., Minor Child
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Korie Talkington, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Potterfield, S.J. (7 pages)
The juvenile court terminated the mother’s parental rights to K.R., born in 2014, pursuant to Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(d), (e), (f), and (i) (2024). The mother appeals, challenging the statutory grounds for termination and whether the loss of her rights is in K.R.’s best interests. OPINION HOLDS: Without an approved home study of the shelter where the mother was living in Florida, the juvenile court could not return custody of K.R. to the mother at the time of the termination trial. The statutory ground for termination under section 232.116(1)(f) was proved. And because the mother and K.R. have had no in-person contact in seven years and K.R. has a heightened need for a safe, stable home, termination of the mother’s rights is in his best interest.
Case No. 24-1029: In the Interest of L.H., Minor Child
Filed Aug 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Carrie K. Bryner, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Mullins, S.J. Opinion by Mullins, S.J. (4 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no cause for reversal, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1020: State of Iowa v. Kevin Rashawn Lee
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Des Moines County, John M. Wright, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Buller, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (6 pages)
Defendant appeals his convictions for murder in the first degree and domestic abuse assault with a dangerous weapon. He argues the State failed to present sufficient evidence to support his convictions. OPINION HOLDS: We determine there was sufficient evidence and affirm.
Case No. 22-1592: State of Iowa v. Steven Lawrence Elliott Jr.
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Deborah Farmer Minot, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (11 pages)
Steven Elliott Jr. appeals his convictions for assault causing bodily injury and assault with intent to commit sexual abuse. He alleges the district court committed four errors: (1) denying his motions to strike two potential jurors; (2) admitting Jackie’s 911 call into evidence; (3) permitting a police officer to testify about the effect of traumatic events on witness memories; and (4) allowing the jury to hear a reference to Elliott getting out of jail. OPINION HOLDS: We find the district court did not err or abuse its discretion, or alternatively that no prejudice resulted from its rulings. So we affirm the rulings and convictions.
Case No. 22-1673: Alan Lee Lucas v. State of Iowa
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Fae Hoover Grinde, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., Badding, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Doyle, S.J. (6 pages)
Alan Lucas appeals the summary dismissal of his application for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the summary dismissal of Lucas’s application based on the time bar in Iowa Code section 822.3 (2021). As a result, we need not consider Lucas’s challenge to the other grounds on which the court granted summary dismissal.
Case No. 23-0019: State of Iowa v. Clinton R. VanFossen
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Meghan K. Corbin, Judge. CONVICTIONS AFFIRMED; SENTENCES VACATED AND REMANDED FOR RESENTENCING. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Tabor and Greer, JJ., but decided by Tabor, P.J., Greer, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Bower, S.J. (19 pages)
Clinton Vanfossen appeals his convictions for electronic or mechanical eavesdropping, preventing apprehension or obstruction of prosecution, and five counts of invasion of privacy–nudity. Vanfossen challenges the district court’s denial of his motion in limine, the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his convictions, and the sentence imposed by the court. OPINION HOLDS: Upon review, we affirm Vanfossen’s convictions, but we vacate the sentencing order and remand for resentencing.
Case No. 23-0141: Edward Andre Grayson v. State of Iowa
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Paul D. Miller, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Buller, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Danilson, S.J. (3 pages)
Edward Grayson appeals from the district court order granting the State’s motion for summary disposition of his postconviction-relief application. OPINION HOLDS: Grayson’s application for postconviction relief is time-barred by Iowa Code section 822.3 (2022).
Case No. 23-0153: State of Iowa v. Robert Eugene Wimer
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Guthrie County, Stacy Ritchie, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Badding, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Potterfield, S.J. (3 pages)
Robert Wimer challenges the denial of his motion to end the requirement he register as a sex offender. He argues for the first time on appeal that his continued requirement to register as a sex offender—which is set to last until 2031—constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. OPINION HOLDS: Because the requirement to register as a sex offender is not “punishment,” it cannot be cruel and unusual punishment. We affirm.
Case No. 23-0219: In re the Marriage of Baedke
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Webster County, Christopher C. Polking, Judge. AFFIRMED ON APPEAL AND CROSS-APPEAL. Considered by Buller, P.J., Langholz, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Langholz, J. (12 pages)
Jon and Heather Baedke both appeal the decree dissolving their marriage. Jon challenges the spousal-support award. Heather challenges the property division, arguing that the court improperly valued their closely held business by including a ten-percent marketability discount and failed to award interest from the date of the decree on the five annual equalization payments. OPINION HOLDS: Giving the court’s decision the deference it deserves, we cannot say the spousal support fails to do equity. The court’s valuation of the business, including the marketability discount, was within the range of permissible evidence. And neither equity nor Iowa law requires interest on installment equalization payments to begin accruing on the date of the decree. We decline to award Heather appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-0495: In re Estate of Khabbaz
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Andrew Chappell, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Langholz, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (25 pages)
Anton Khabbaz appeals the entry of summary judgment in favor of Rawan Khabbaz on his claims of undue influence, lack of testamentary capacity, and tortious interference with an inheritance. OPINION HOLDS: We find there are genuine issues of material fact to show Nabil Khabbaz was susceptible to undue influence and that “the result clearly appeared to be the result of undue influence.” These genuine issues of material fact make summary judgment on Anton’s claims inappropriate. We reverse the decision of the district court and remand for further proceedings. DISSENT ASSERTS: The majority reverses the district court based on issues of disputed fact that Anton never argued to the district court and some he never argued to us either. But appellate courts are bound by the fundamental principles of the adversarial process and appellate review to decide only the arguments made in and decided by the district court. And so limited, I cannot say that the district court erred in holding that Anton failed to show any material factual dispute.
Case No. 23-0787: State of Iowa v. Raymond Duke Birden
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Linda M. Fangman, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (12 pages)
The defendant appeals the district court’s denial of his motion for new trial and for a continuance to substitute counsel. OPINION HOLDS: Because the district court correctly applied the new-trial standard, and did not abuse its discretion in denying the motion to continue, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0803: Bryan Lee Roche v. State of Iowa
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Andrew Chappell, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Mullins, S.J. Opinion by Mullins, S.J. (15 pages)
Bryan Roche appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: Having rejected Roche’s claims of ineffective assistance of criminal trial counsel, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0805: In re the Marriage of Rasmussen
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Scott D. Rosenberg, Judge. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (7 pages)
Ben Rasmussen appeals the property division in the decree dissolving his marriage with Alexis Rasmussen. He argues that it is inequitable for the district court to order him to pay $20,000 to Alexis for her “lost equity” in a Mercedes Benz that she transferred to him during the marriage. OPINION HOLDS: Alexis’s “lost equity” is not an asset or debt subject to division. Nor could a $20,000 payment that makes the property division less equal be an equalization payment. And so, on our de novo review, we modify the property division to strike Ben’s $20,000 payment obligation to Alexis and otherwise affirm.
Case No. 23-0895: In re Trust of Bennett
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Katie Ranes, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (3 pages)
Appellants appeal from a district court order denying a request to remove a co-trustee from two separate trusts. OPINION HOLDS: Because the appellate brief does not comply with our rules of appellate procedure and does not contain relevant citations to supporting authority, we affirm without further opinion.
Case No. 23-0896: State of Iowa v. Darin Earl Peterson
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Muscatine County, Stuart P. Werling, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (7 pages)
Darin Peterson appeals his two convictions for second-degree sexual abuse. He raises four claims: (1) he contends the court improperly instructed the jury on the intent element of the offenses; (2) he asserts counsel was ineffective for failing to object to the erroneous instruction; (3) he accuses the State of failing to disclose evidence favorable to him; and (4) he argues that prosecutorial misconduct denied him a fair trial. OPINION HOLDS: We find that the instruction did not prejudice Peterson and we lack authority to hear the ineffective-assistance claim. For the third and fourth claims, Peterson failed to preserve error. So, we affirm the convictions.
Case No. 23-1058: State of Iowa v. Ethan Alexander Orton
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Ian K. Thornhill, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Chicchelly, J., takes no part. Opinion by Greer, J. (11 pages)
Ethan Orton appeals the sentence imposed following his guilty plea to two counts of first-degree murder as a juvenile offender. OPINION HOLDS: The sentencing court met the requirements of Miller/Lyle/Roby, applied the presumption against a minimum term of incarceration, and considered the mitigating juvenile sentencing factors, and the court provided sufficient detail for us to exercise our review of the record. Thus, the court did not abuse its discretion, and we affirm.
Case No. 23-1081: Levine v. Boyd
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Madison County, Michael Jacobsen, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., and Badding and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (16 pages)
Kendra and Jeffrey Levine, individually and as next friends of their minor daughter, appeal the dismissal of their claims against Michael and Heidi Boyd and their minor son on summary judgment. The Levines contend the district court erred in granting summary judgment on their claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress, intentional interference with the parent-child relationship, false imprisonment, negligence, negligent supervision, and parental responsibility for the actions of a minor child. OPINION HOLDS: Because we conclude the undisputed facts establish that the Boyds are entitled to judgment as a matter of law, we affirm the district court’s ruling.
Case No. 23-1332: State of Iowa v. Joscela Danielle Holloway
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Joel Dalrymple, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., Badding, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Bower, S.J. (4 pages)
Joscela Holloway appeals the sentences imposed after her guilty pleas to twenty-three offenses. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no abuse of discretion, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1348: State of Iowa v. Matthew Louis Sampson
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Michael Motto, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (10 pages)
A defendant argues the district court erred in denying his motion to suppress. OPINION HOLDS: Because there is no preemption of the city ordinances by state statutes, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1366: State of Iowa v. Christopher William John Dubois
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Linda M. Fangman, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (8 pages)
Defendant argues the district court improperly admitted evidence of prior bad acts. OPINON HOLDS: Because we find the evidence was properly admitted to show intent and motive, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1458: In re Marriage of Rayburn
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marshall County, John R. Flynn, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (10 pages)
A father appeals the district court’s denial of his petition to modify his dissolution decree, arguing he should be given physical care and sole legal custody of the parties’ children. The father also requests appellate attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: Because the father failed to prove he could provide superior care to the children and modifying physical care and legal custody is not in the children’s best interests, we affirm. We reject the father’s request for appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-1519: Lawrence Gregory v. La Posada Group, LLC
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Jeffrey L. Larson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (9 pages)
Plaintiff appeals the district court’s grant of summary judgment finding the defendant was not a possessor of the property where plaintiff slipped and fell, and therefore defendant could not be held liable for negligence. OPINION HOLDS: We conclude summary judgment was appropriate on the arguments preserved for appeal and affirm the district court.
Case No. 23-1557: WOHLOA, Inc v. The Lake Cabin, LLC
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dickinson County, Charles Borth, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, P.J, Schumacher, Ahlers, Badding, Chicchelly, Buller, and Langholz, JJ, and Bower, S.J.* Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (14 pages)
A property owner appeals the declaratory judgment confirming its obligation to pay dues and special assessments to a neighborhood homeowner association and challenges the attorney fee award. OPINION HOLDS: Because the relevant restrictive covenants have not expired, Lake Cabin is responsible for its financial obligations to WOHLOA.
Case No. 23-1703: Jonathan Tracy Meador v. Di Lu
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, David Nelmark, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (7 pages)
After concluding it lacked subject matter jurisdiction when it entered a 2020 custody order regarding N.G.M., the child of Jonathan Meador and Di Lu, the district court vacated the 2020 order. Jonathan appeals, arguing the district court misapplied Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure 1.1012 and 1.1013; he suggests rule 1.1012 is the only mechanism by which the district court may vacate the 2020 order. OPINION HOLDS: Because Jonathan does not challenge the district court’s conclusion that it lacked subject matter jurisdiction to enter the 2020 custody order, and because a ruling entered without subject matter jurisdiction is void and must be vacated, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1725: In re Guardianship of L.W.
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Grundy County, Daniel L. Block, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (7 pages)
The mother appeals from an order establishing a guardianship over her child. OPINION HOLDS: Because the record supports the juvenile court’s order, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1804: In re the Marriage of Dewhurst
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, James C. Ellefson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. Special Concurrence by Ahlers, J. (11 pages)
The district court granted in part and denied in part Bryan Dewhurst’s application for rule to show cause against his ex-wife, now known as Laura Imsland. Bryan appeals, challenging the district court’s dismissal of count I of the application, which involved the claim that Laura violated the court’s custody order by not facilitating the return of their child to Bryan’s physical care after the child left his home in February 2023. Laura counters by arguing the court correctly dismissed count I. Each party also requests appellant attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the district court ruling and deny the requests for attorney fees. SPECIAL CONCURRENCE ASSERTS: Because the district court had discretion to decline to hold a party in contempt and did not abuse that discretion, I believe it is not necessary to reach the question of whether Bryan Dewhurst met his burden of proof to establish Laura Imsland intentionally interfered with his physical-care rights to their child.
Case No. 24-0076: In the Interest of M.W.-T. and C.W.-T., Minor Children
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Rachael E. Seymour, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (6 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights, drawing on provisions of the Iowa Indian Child Welfare Act. OPINION HOLDS: We reverse and remand because the record is deficient on required qualified-expert testimony. We do not disturb the status quo from the underlying child-in-need-of-assistance cases or any existing no-contact orders.
Case No. 24-0412: State of Iowa v. Brian Thomas Woods
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Robert J. Richter, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Schumacher, J., and Mullins, S.J. Opinion by Mullins, S.J. (3 pages)
A defendant appeals his criminal sentences, arguing the district court failed to provide particular reasons for its sentencing decision. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, concluding the district court provided sufficient reasons for the sentence. Even if it hadn’t, it wasn’t required to since it was merely giving effect to the terms of the plea agreement.
Case No. 24-0595: In the Interest of W.G.-C., Minor Child
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marshall County, Paul G. Crawford, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Buller, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Potterfield, S.J. (6 pages)
The juvenile court terminated the mother’s parental rights to five-year-old W.G.-C. pursuant to Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(f) (2023). The mother appeals, arguing the statutory ground for termination was not met and challenging whether termination is in the child’s best interests since W.G.-C. remains in the custody of his father. OPINION HOLDS: Because the State proved the grounds for termination under section 232.116(1)(f) and we decline to apply the permissive factor in section 232.116(3)(a), we affirm.
Case No. 24-0675: In the Interest of O.J., Minor Child
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Audubon County, Justin R. Wyatt, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (11 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her three-year-old daughter. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find the statutory ground for termination is supported, termination is in her best interests, and a statutory exception does not apply, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0781: In the Interest of J.R.-S., Minor Child
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Rachael E. Seymour, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (9 pages)
Parents separately appeal the termination of their parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no cause for reversal, we affirm the termination of both parents’ rights.
Case No. 24-0869: In the Interest of B.H., Minor Child
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Floyd County, Karen Kaufman Salic, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND REMANDED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (11 pages)
A father appeals the adjudicatory and dispositional orders in a child-in-need-of-assistance proceeding (CINA). OPINION HOLDS: Clear and convincing evidence supports each of the grounds for the CINA adjudication and the child’s removal from the father’s custody. Because restricting supervised visitation will eliminate the risk of adjudicatory harm to the child while maintaining the parent-child bond and serving the child’s best interests, we reverse the portion of the dispositional order prohibiting contact between the father and child. We remand to the juvenile court to order supervised visitation at the department of health and human service’s discretion.
Case No. 24-0878: In the Interest of C.K., Minor Child
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Daniel L. Block, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (4 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: Termination is in the child’s best interests, and we do not grant the mother additional time to work toward reunification.
Case No. 24-0884: In the Interest of C.L., K.L., and K.L., Minor Children
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Jones County, Joan M. Black, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (7 pages)
The juvenile court terminated the mother’s parental rights to C.L., K.L., and K.L., who ranged in ages from thirteen to nine years old at the time of the termination trial, under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(e) and (f) (2024). The mother appeals, arguing the statutory grounds for termination were not proved, the State failed to make reasonable efforts to reunify her with the children, she should be given additional time to achieve reunification, and—because of the close bond she shares with the children—it is not in the children’s best interests to terminate her rights. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the termination of the mother’s parental rights to C.L., K.L., and K.L.
Case No. 24-0924: In the Interest of R.M., Minor Child
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Rachael E. Seymour, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (10 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: Because the State has shown grounds for termination exist under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(f) (2024), termination is in the best interests of the child, and the application of a permissive exception to termination is unwarranted, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0950: In the Interest of J.A., Minor Child
Filed Aug 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Fremont County, Scott Strait, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (8 pages)
Parents separately appeal the termination of their parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm on both appeals.
Case No. 22-1074: State of Iowa v. Daishawn Quincell Gills
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Celene Gogerty, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (13 pages)
A criminal defendant appeals his convictions for three counts each of first-degree murder and first-degree robbery, challenging the district court’s denial of a motion to strike a potential juror for cause during voir dire and admission of certain autopsy photos at trial. OPINION HOLDS: Finding he has not proven an abuse of discretion warranting reversal on either issue, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1169: State of Iowa v. Emmanuel Zleh Totaye, Jr.
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Celene Gogerty, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (31 pages)
A criminal defendant appeals his convictions for three counts of second-degree murder and three counts of first-degree robbery, alleging multiple errors across his three-week trial. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, finding the preserved errors do not warrant reversal.
Case No. 22-1428: State of Iowa v. Damen Jermaine Walton
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Erica Crisp and Becky Goettsch, Judges. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Badding, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Danilson, S.J. (9 pages)
A jury found Damen Walton guilty of operating while intoxicated. On appeal from that conviction, Walton challenges the district court’s denial of his motion to suppress and contends his motion for new trial should have been granted because the jury’s verdict is contrary to the weight of the evidence. OPINION HOLDS: Because there was probable cause to support the stop of Walton’s vehicle and the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying the motion for new trial, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1594: Hesse v. District Court
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Clinton County, Stuart P. Werling, Judge. WRIT ANULLED IN PART, GRANTED IN PART, AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS; MODIFICATION AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Bower, S.J. (11 pages)
Briana Hesse challenges the district court order finding her in contempt, the sentence imposed, and the modification of visitation. OPINION HOLDS: As to the finding of contempt, because the district court did not clearly apply the beyond-a-reasonable-doubt burden of proof, we grant the writ in part and remand with directions to apply that burden. We likewise annul the writ in part as to the sentence imposed but direct the district court to clarify the basis for each sentence. As to the modification of visitation, because we find the breakdown in communication and ability to coordinate visitation constitutes a material change in circumstances, we affirm the modification.
Case No. 22-1705: In re the Marriage of Landen
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Tod Deck, Judge. AFFIRMED ON APPEAL AND CROSS-APPEAL. Considered by Langholz, P.J., and Bower and Carr, S.JJ., Opinion by Langholz, P.J. (11 pages)
Todd Landen appeals the spousal- and child-support awards of the decree dissolving his marriage with Aprel Landen, arguing that the district court’s inclusion of his veterans’ disability benefits in calculating his income violates federal law. He also challenges the inclusion of the marital home in the property division because its value includes improvements paid for by the Department of Veterans Affairs to accommodate his disability. Aprel cross-appeals the spousal-support award arguing the court should have extended the ten-year award to continue until the death of either party or her remarriage. OPINION HOLDS: Federal law does not prohibit including veterans’ disability benefits in the calculation of a party’s income when deciding spousal- or child-support awards. Todd did not preserve error on his challenge to the property division. And the spousal-support award to Aprel for ten years does not fail to do equity.
Case No. 22-1897: Wallace D. Muhammad v. Adrianna Roberts
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Stuart P. Werling, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion Per Curiam. (4 pages)
A protected party under a domestic violence protective order appeals the dismissal of his contempt application. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the dismissal of the contempt application.
Case No. 23-0509: Douglas Wilson and Jane Wilson v. Shenandoah Medical Center
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Page County, Margaret Reyes, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Bower, S.J. Dissent by Langholz, J. (18 pages)
Shenandoah Medical Center (SMC) appeals the district court’s denial of its motion for summary judgment for failure to timely file an expert-witness designation. OPINION HOLDS: Upon review, we affirm. DISSENT ASSERTS: I would follow Stanton v. Knoxville Community Hospital, Inc., No. 19-1277, 2020 WL 4498884 (Iowa Ct. App. Aug. 5, 2020), and hold that the district court abused its discretion in concluding that the Wilsons had good cause for their failure to timely file their expert certifications under Iowa Code section 668.11 because they have not shown a valid reason for their failure and the district court erroneously relied on defense counsel’s actions. The court thus erred in denying SMC summary judgment on that ground. And we should remand for the district court to consider whether the Wilsons’ claims fail as a matter of law without expert testimony as SMC argued in its summary-judgment motion.
Case No. 23-0547: State of Iowa v. Donta Rapheal Hale
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Michael D. Huppert, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Potterfield, S.J. (3 pages)
After pleading guilty to possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver (lorazepam), an aggravated misdemeanor, and failure to possess a tax stamp, a class “D” felony, Donta Hale maintains the district court should have allowed him to withdraw his guilty pleas. OPINION HOLDS: Hale has not established good cause to invoke this court’s jurisdiction. We dismiss his appeal.
Case No. 23-0585: State of Iowa v. Spencer Thornton Smith
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Heather Lauber (guilty plea) and William P. Kelly (sentencing), Judges. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., Buller, J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Carr, S.J. (6 pages)
Spencer Smith pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle by operating a motor vehicle while under the influence and serious injury by vehicle by operating a motor vehicle while under the influence. He was sentenced to serve his two sentences consecutively. Smith now appeals, contending he was coerced into pleading and the district court considered an impermissible factor during his sentencing. OPINON HOLDS: We do not have authority to consider Smith’s claim his plea was involuntary and the district court committed no error in sentencing. We affirm.
Case No. 23-0599: Edward Lee Williams v. State of Iowa
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Patrick McElyea, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Blane, S.J. Opinion by Blane, S.J. (8 pages)
Williams appeals the grant of summary disposition and dismissal of his most recent postconviction relief application (PCR). He contends that the jury that was discharged due to a mistrial was the same jury at the second trial that returned his guilty verdict. He also contends that the judge from the mistrial should not have been the judge at the second trial. He claims his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to object to those events. Finally, he argues that the PCR court erred when it failed to comply with the procedures in Iowa Code section 822.6 (2021). OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we find Williams’ arguments not supported by the record and affirm.
Case No. 23-0628: Darrell Jeffrey McClure v. Ei Du Pont Nemours and Company d/b/a Corteva Agriscience
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Keokuk County, Crystal S. Cronk, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND REMANDED. Heard by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (24 pages)
An employee appeals the district court’s grant of summary judgment in an age- and disability-discrimination, retaliation, and hostile-work-environment case. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find fact questions remain on the discrimination claims, we reverse the district court’s grant of summary judgment as to those issues and affirm on all other claims.
Case No. 23-0839: State of Iowa v. Tre Evans Worden
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, James N. Daane, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Blane, S.J. Opinion by Blane, S.J. (8 pages)
Tre Worden appeals, challenging the denial of his motion to suppress by asserting an unlawful seizure and the sufficiency of the evidence for his conviction for interference with official acts resulting in bodily injury. OPINION HOLDS: Finding he was lawfully seized and the evidence was sufficient to support his conviction, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0844: State of Iowa v. Timothy Jacob Spencer
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Heather Lauber, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (3 pages)
Timothy Spencer attempts to appeal his convictions for robbery in the second degree and theft in the first degree from an older individual. OPINION HOLDS: Because Spencer does not have good cause to appeal, we dismiss the appeal.
Case No. 23-0876: State of Iowa v. Trapp Leroy Trotter Jr.
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Worth County, Rustin Davenport, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Blane, S.J. Opinion by Blane, S.J. (14 pages)
Trapp Trotter appeals the district court ruling rejecting his fair-cross-section challenge to the jury that convicted him of attempted murder and criminal trespass. He contends the district court erred in finding he failed to satisfy his burden to prove there was systematic exclusion of a distinctive group from the jury pool. OPINION HOLDS: On our review, we find Trotter failed to produce evidence of systematic exclusion. So we affirm.
Case No. 23-0887: State of Iowa v. Loby Loki Lovan
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Paul D. Scott, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (5 pages)
A defendant challenges his sentence for willful injury causing bodily injury, arguing the court abused its discretion in ignoring his mental health and substance use. OPINION HOLDS: Because the court considered all the pertinent information and sentencing factors, we observe no abuse of discretion and affirm.
Case No. 23-0905: State of Iowa v. Osborn Eugene Gavel
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Hardin County, Jennifer Miller, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (13 pages)
Osborn Gavel challenges his conviction for first-degree murder. OPINION HOLDS: Because the State presented substantial evidence that Gavel acted willfully, deliberately, premeditatedly and with a specific intent to kill the victim when he struck him four times with a crowbar and the district court did not err in interpreting our rules of criminal procedure to not require ordering deposition of an rebuttal expert witness nor abuse its discretion in denying Gavel’s motion to compel, we affirm Gavel’s conviction.
Case No. 23-0945: State of Iowa v. Deronta Michael Jamison, Jr.
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Joel W. Barrows, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (8 pages)
Deronta Jamison Jr. appeals his sentence following his guilty plea to second-degree robbery. OPINION HOLDS: We conclude Jamison was not entitled to an individualized hearing to consider the factors associated with juvenile offenders because no minimum sentence was imposed. The court did not abuse its discretion in sentencing him to a term of imprisonment. We affirm Jamison’s sentence.
Case No. 23-1147: In re Estate of Bellus
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marshall County, John J. Haney, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., and Badding and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (9 pages)
A party challenges the district court’s determination that both a petition in probate and a claim in probate could not proceed and that the party failed to meet the burden necessary for promissory estoppel. The party also challenges the district court’s denial of the request to dismiss a claim about a right of first refusal and the court’s determination that the petition in probate failed to correctly name the defendants. OPINION HOLDS: We determine the claim in probate and petition in probate are mutually exclusive under Iowa Code section 633.415(2) (2022) and there was a failure to present strict proof of promissory estoppel. Given this determination, we do not address the other issues on appeal. Accordingly, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1159: In the Matter of the Guardianship of T.K., L.K., and S.K.
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Angie Johnston, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Langholz, J. (13 pages)
Paternal grandparents and the children for whom they were appointed guardians appeal the termination of the voluntary guardianship after the mother withdrew her consent. OPINION HOLDS: On our de novo review, giving weight to the court’s thoughtful and well-supported factual findings, we agree that the guardians and children failed to meet their burden to prove by clear and convincing evidence that terminating the guardianship would cause the children physical harm or significant, long-term emotional harm sufficient to carry their burden under the rigorous harm standard.
Case No. 23-1185: State of Iowa v. Paul John Joseph Kramer
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Mark T. Hostager and Robert J. Richter, Judges. AFFIRMED AND REMANDED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (8 pages)
Paul Kramer challenges his conviction and sentence for driving while barred. Kramer maintains (1) the district court should have sua sponte ordered a competency hearing; (2) the district court should not have allowed him to represent himself in the criminal proceedings; and (3) he should be resentenced because the district court relied on counterfactual reasons, like a guilty plea and the plea agreement, when giving the basis for the sentence imposed. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find no legal error in allowing the trial to proceed without having a competency hearing or requiring a competency evaluation, nothing Kramer points to on appeal convinces us his waiver of his right to counsel was not knowing and voluntary, and there were no mistakes or issues with the sentencing hearing and the oral pronouncement of sentence, we affirm. However, we remand for entry of a nunc pro tunc order to correct the clerical mistakes in the written sentencing order.
Case No. 23-1243: In re Marriage of Shilkaitis
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, David Porter, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND REMANDED FOR RECALCULATION OF CHILD SUPPORT. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (6 pages)
A mother appeals the district court’s order modifying the father’s child support obligation, arguing the court ignored pertinent facts and that the court should have made the support obligation retroactive. OPINION HOLDS: Because the district court failed to properly account for various deductions in its child support calculation, we reverse and remand for recalculation of child support. But we affirm that part of the court’s ruling, establishing a start date for the modified child support payments.
Case No. 23-1262: Lotz v. Vietor
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Buchanan County, John J. Sullivan, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers, Badding, Chicchelly, and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (13 pages)
Dana Vietor, a former registered representative with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, appeals the denial of his motion to vacate an arbitration award against him for just over $5.7 million on claims brought by ex-clients. On appeal, Vietor claims the award should have been vacated under the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) because (1) the arbitration panel refused to postpone the final hearing after Vietor’s lead trial counsel withdrew; (2) one of the arbitrators failed to disclose a conflict of interest; and (3) the panel’s decision on attorney fees, breach of contract, and the arbitration eligibility of several claims were in manifest disregard of the law. The claimants request an award of appellate attorney fees as a sanction pursuant to Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.413(1). OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the district court’s denial of Vietor’s motion to vacate the arbitration award, finding that (1) Vietor’s arguments on the panel’s decision on attorney fees, breach of contract, and the arbitration eligibility of several claims do not assert any grounds under section 10 of the FAA for vacatur; (2) the panel was not guilty of misconduct by declining to postpone the final hearing further; and (3) Vietor did not meet his heavy burden to show a conflict of interest concerning one of the arbitrators. Lastly, we deny the claimants’ request for appellate attorney fees as a sanction against Vietor.
Case No. 23-1369: Zachary Liddick v. State of Iowa
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Mills County, Michael Hooper, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (6 pages)
Zachary Liddick appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief (PCR), which claimed he received ineffective assistance from his trial counsel and counsel in his first PCR action. OPINION HOLDS: Because Liddick failed to establish the ineffective assistance of either his trial or PCR counsel, we affirm the denial of his PCR application.
Case No. 23-1377: In the Interest of T.G. and M.G., Minor Children
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Coleman McAllister, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Langholz, J. (10 pages)
A father appeals the private termination of his parental rights over his two daughters under Iowa Code chapter 600A (2023). OPINION HOLDS: Clear and convincing evidence shows that the father abandoned his two daughters and termination of his parental rights is in their best interests. And he waived and failed to preserve his claim that he is entitled to a jury trial. We thus affirm the termination of his parental rights.
Case No. 23-1432: Miller v. Giese
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Lucas County, John D. Lloyd, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Badding, P.J. (5 pages)
Defendants appeal an adverse district court order quieting title to real property. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the district court’s decision and deny the plaintiff’s request for appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-1455: State of Iowa v. John Mark Blair II
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Mark R. Lawson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (7 pages)
John Mark Blair II appeals his sentence, arguing the district court abused its discretion by applying a fixed sentencing policy based on the nature of the offenses. OPINION HOLDS: We do not find the district court employed a fixed sentencing policy in choosing imprisonment over probation; the court appropriately used its discretion in tailoring the concurrent ten-year sentences to Blair’s individual circumstance. We affirm.
Case No. 23-1481: In re Guardianship of K.E.
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Poweshiek County, Patrick McAvan, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Badding, J. (11 pages)
A mother appeals a district court order establishing a guardianship for her minor child. OPINION HOLDS: Because there is clear and convincing evidence that the mother was not willing or able to exercise the powers the district court granted to the guardians and the guardianship is in the child’s best interest, we affirm upon our de novo review of the record.
Case No. 23-1585: In the Matter of the Trust of Bobby Dean Churchill
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Taylor County, Thomas P. Murphy, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Blane, S.J. Opinion by Langholz, J. (12 pages)
Natalie Churchill appeals the district court’s order interpreting her grandfather’s trust and denying her request to remove the trustee—her aunt, Nancy Churchill. OPINION HOLDS: The district court correctly interpreted the unambiguous terms of trust— Natalie has no interest in the trust income or property until “both” of Churchill’s daughters “are deceased.” The court did not abuse its discretion in refusing to remove Nancy as trustee. And we cannot consider Natalie’s attorney-fees arguments because the district court has not made a final attorney-fee award to Nancy and Natalie never requested fees. We also decline to award Natalie appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-1624: Shawn William Durrell v. State of Iowa
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Jeanie Vaudt, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (10 pages)
An applicant appeals the district court’s denial of his application for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: Because the applicant failed to show that trial counsel breached an essential duty, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1683: Larry Darnell Murphy v. State of Iowa
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Jeffrey L. Larson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (8 pages)
Larry Murphy appeals the summary dismissal of his second application for postconviction relief (PCR). OPINION HOLDS: Because Murphy’s PCR application was filed more than three years after his conviction was final and he asserted no ground of fact material to his substantive claim that could not have been presented within the three-year time frame, see Iowa Code § 822.3 (2023), we affirm.
Case No. 23-1757: State of Iowa v. Demetrius Xaziver Wilson
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Wapello County, Kirk Daily, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (7 pages)
Demetrius Wilson appeals his conviction for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver (marijuana) within one thousand feet of certain real property. OPINION HOLDS: Because Wilson did not file a motion in arrest of judgment following his guilty plea, and he clearly waived his right to have a hearing in open court for his guilty plea, he does not have good cause to appeal this non-class-“A”-felony conviction. Without good cause, we have no jurisdiction, and we dismiss the appeal.
Case No. 23-1789: Kristofor Keppy v. Jennifer West
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Meghan Corbin, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Langholz, J. (9 pages)
Kristopher Keppy appeals the district court’s denial of his application to modify the physical-care and child-support provisions of a custody-and-support order under Iowa Code chapter 600B (2022) and its refusal to hold the children’s mother, Jennifer West, in contempt for alleged violations of that order. OPINION HOLDS: Keppy has not preserved error on his challenges to the district court’s refusal to hold West in contempt or its denial of his request to modify the physical-care placement of the children because—as he concedes—the district court did not rule on the errors he now raises and he did not ask the court to expand its ruling to address them under Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.904. We defer to the court’s finding that his reduction in income is self-inflicted and cannot support modification of his child-support obligation. And we award West some of her appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-1869: State of Iowa v. Donroy Robert Merrival, Jr.
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Muscatine County, Thomas Reidel, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (5 pages)
Donroy Merrival Jr. appeals his sentences following his guilty pleas. Merrival argues the district court abused its discretion when sentencing him to incarceration instead of probation because the court used boilerplate language and only considered the nature of the offense. OPINION HOLDS: The district court did not abuse its discretion and we affirm the sentences imposed by the district court.
Case No. 23-2001: In the Matter of R.K.
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Jessica Noll, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND REMANDED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (12 pages)
R.K. appeals two involuntary‑commitment orders under Iowa Code chapters 125 and 229 (2023), challenging sufficiency of the evidence. She also contends that she received ineffective assistance. OPINION HOLDS: Because sufficient evidence supports the finding and R.K. did not receive ineffective assistance, we affirm R.K.’s commitment under section 229.1(22). But we reverse R.K.’s commitment under section 125.2(16) and remand for dismissal of that application.
Case No. 24-0110: In the Interest of D.H., Minor Child
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Brendan Greiner, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (7 pages)
A father appeals the private termination of his parental rights under Iowa Code section 600A.8 (2023). OPINION HOLDS: Because we conclude the mother proved the statutory ground of abandonment, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0244: In the Matter of C.J.
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Jeffrey A. Neary, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (7 pages)
A patient appeals orders for civil commitment based on her mental health and substance-use disorder. OPINION HOLDS: Because the patient’s failure to present a proper record on appeal precludes our review of the sufficiency of the evidence, and we find she is owed no relief on her ineffective-assistance-of-counsel claim, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0252: In the Interest of B.M., Minor Child
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Kimberly Ayotte, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (3 pages)
A father appeals from a child-in-need-of-assistance proceeding. OPINION HOLDS: The father presents no argument from which we may find reversible error.
Case No. 24-0330: In the Interest of H.P., L.P., and L.P., Minor Children
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Donna Bothwell, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (12 pages)
The mother of three children and the father of the youngest appeal the termination of their parental rights, raising five claims: (1) The juvenile court abused its discretion by denying their motions to continue the termination hearings. (2) The court erred in denying their request for a different judge. (3) The State failed to prove a ground for termination. (4) Termination was not in the children’s best interests. (5) Exceptions preclude the need for termination. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no merit in those five claims, we affirm the termination order.
Case No. 24-0423: In the Interest of K.F., Minor Child
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marshall County, Paul J. Crawford, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Chicchelly, P.J., Buller, J., and Blane, S.J. Opinion by Blane, S.J. (6 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her two-year-old child. She contends the State failed to prove the statutory ground for termination and failed to make reasonable efforts in her case. OPINION HOLDS: We find no merit in either claim, so we affirm.
Case No. 24-0642: In the Interest of E.M. and T.M., Minor Children
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Cynthia S. Finley, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (7 pages)
A mother appeals a juvenile dispositional order removing her children from her care. OPINION HOLDS: Because her argument lacks citation to any supporting legal authority, we summarily affirm.
Case No. 24-0677: In the Interest of D.M., D.G., T.G., and T.G., Minor Children
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Webster County, Joseph L. Tofilon, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (11 pages)
The parents of four children individually appeal the termination of their parental rights. The father argues that the State failed to prove a ground for termination and that termination was not in the children’s best interests, and he asks for six additional months to work toward reunification. The mother claims that the State hindered reunification and that without its recommendation, the court could not find the children could be returned. OPINION HOLDS: We find the State proved grounds for termination by clear and convincing evidence and that it was in the children’s best interests for the court to terminate. We also refuse the father’s request for six more months. Lastly, we find the mother both failed to preserve and waived her argument on appeal. Thus, we affirm on both appeals.
Case No. 24-0704: In the Interest of R.D., Minor Child
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Brent Pattison, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (10 pages)
A mother and father separately appeal the termination of their parental rights to a child. OPINION HOLDS: There is clear and convincing evidence showing the grounds for termination of the mother’s and father’s parental rights under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(h) (2024), and there is no basis for granting the mother additional time. Clear and convincing evidence shows termination is in the child’s best interests, and none of the exceptions to termination apply.
Case No. 24-0811: In the Interest of S.M., Minor Child
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, Hunter W. Thorpe, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (10 pages)
The father challenges the termination of his parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: Because termination is in the child’s best interests due to the father’s inability to look after her safety and need for a permanent home, the strength of the bond between the father and the child does not overcome the detriment of declining termination, the need for removal—the father’s substance use and mental health challenges—will likely still exist in six months, and a guardianship is not in the child’s best interests, we affirm the termination of the father’s parental rights.
Case No. 24-0850: In the Interest of L.G. and S.S., Minor Children
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Clarke County, Monty Franklin, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (6 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her children, claiming the State failed to prove the grounds for termination relied on by the district court. OPINION HOLDS: On our de novo review, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0877: In the Interest of D.D., M.D., and J.D., Minor Children
Filed Jul 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Linda M. Fangman, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (11 pages)
A father, mother, and their teenaged son separately appeal a juvenile court order terminating parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: After a careful review of the record, we reach the same conclusions as the district court and affirm its ruling.
Case No. 22-1013: John J. Grillion and Michelle A. Ciesluk v. Kelly J. Hassler
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Greg W. Steensland, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Buller, J., and Bower, S.J.*. Opinion by Buller, J. (5 pages)
A civil defendant appeals the district court’s finding of a boundary by acquiescence and easement by prescription. OPINION HOLDS: We reverse the district court’s findings and remand.
Case No. 22-1233: Devaris Marquis Perry v. State of Iowa
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Sarah Crane, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (7 pages)
DeVaris Perry appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: Because Perry has not proved he received ineffective assistance from his trial counsel, we affirm the denial of his application.
Case No. 22-1653: State of Iowa v. Mandell Clark
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Webster County, Kurt J. Stoebe, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Schumacher, J., and Vogel, S.J. Buller, J., takes no part. Opinion by Vogel, S.J. (6 pages)
A defendant seeks to vacate his guilty plea, alleging the district court erroneously denied his post-plea motion for adjudication of law points. OPINION HOLDS: Because Clark failed to show good cause to pursue a direct appeal from his guilty plea, we dismiss this appeal for want of jurisdiction.
Case No. 22-1794: State of Iowa v. Quarian Deonte Moore
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Scott D. Rosenberg, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Tabor and Greer, JJ., but decided by Tabor, P.J., Greer, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (14 pages)
A jury convicted Quarian Moore of first-degree murder and attempted murder for shooting two people at a Des Moines intersection in November 2021. Moore was just shy of his eighteenth birthday at the time of the crime. The district court imposed a mandatory minimum term of incarceration of twenty-five years. Moore now argues the State failed to present sufficient evidence that he was the shooter and that the court improperly applied the juvenile sentencing factors. OPINION HOLDS: Finding substantial evidence that Moore shot and killed Dean Deng and wounded B.C., and observing no abuse of discretion in Moore’s sentencing, we affirm.
Case No. 22-2096: Schley v. Sioux County
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Sioux County, Jeffrey A. Neary, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Badding, P.J. (17 pages)
Julie Schley appeals the district court’s entry of summary judgment dismissing her claims against Sioux County, Sioux County Deputy Sheriff Stan Oostra, Gary Schley, and the estates of Donald and Margery Schley. She contends the district court erred in (1) granting the summary judgment motion filed by Sioux County and Deputy Oostra on her claim for false arrest; and (2) determining that her claims against the remaining defendants were barred by the “wrongful conduct” rule. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, finding (1) the undisputed facts establish that Deputy Oostra had probable cause under Iowa Code section 664A.6(1) (2017) to believe Julie violated a no-contact order; and (2) the district court correctly determined that Julie’s claims against the remaining defendants were barred by the “wrongful conduct” rule.
Case No. 23-0104: State of Iowa v. Nathen Wayne Cameron
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dallas County, Thomas P. Murphy, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Tabor and Greer, JJ., but decided by Tabor, P.J., Greer, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Greer, J. (21 pages)
Nathen Cameron appeals his convictions and sentences for assault causing serious injury and domestic abuse assault causing bodily injury. OPINION HOLDS: Because the district court did not abuse its discretion in allowing testimony on domestic abuse dynamics to assist the jury in understanding the first-degree-murder charge of which Cameron was eventually acquitted, the verdict for assault causing serious injury is supported by substantial evidence that Cameron either caused the victim to fall from the balcony—fracturing her skull and spine—or hit her, breaking her kneecap, and the district court did not abuse its discretion in considering that Cameron failed to accept responsibility for physically assaulting the victim. Because the district court did not abuse its sentencing discretion, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0148: State of Iowa v. Adam Mullen
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Boone County, Stephen A. Owen, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED. Heard by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (13 pages)
On discretionary review, the State challenges the order suppressing evidence obtained following a traffic stop. OPINION HOLDS: I. The district court erred by ignoring a published decision of this court holding that law enforcement may obtain a search warrant in lieu of invoking the statutory implied consent procedure to obtain a sample for chemical testing. The district court’s ruling also conflicts with a recent Iowa Supreme Court decision holding that the Iowa Code authorizes search warrants for collection of bodily specimens and doing so does not violate due process and equal protection rights. II. The officer was not required to inform the defendant of his Miranda rights before questioning him during a traffic stop because the defendant was not in custody. We reverse the suppression ruling and remand for further proceedings.
Case No. 23-0225: State of Iowa v. Michael Quodale Profit
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Nicholas Scott, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Badding, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Vogel, S.J. (5 pages)
A defendant appeals his sentence, alleging the district court failed to adequately state on the record the basis for the sentence imposed. OPINION HOLDS: Under our supreme court precedent, succinct sentencing explanations satisfy Iowa Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.23(2)(g). Because we find the sentencing court’s explanation sufficient under this permissive standard, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0232: Elmer P. Scheckel v. City of Oelwein and Fayette County Treasurer
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Fayette County, Richard D. Stochl, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Langholz, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Langholz, J. (8 pages)
Elmer Scheckel appeals from the dismissal of his suit seeking to invalidate a tax deed of a property that he had owned. He argues that the district judge should have recused himself and the court lacked jurisdiction. The City of Oelwein seeks to dismiss the appeal because Scheckel did not petition for a writ of certiorari to challenge the recusal decision. OPINION HOLDS: We have appellate jurisdiction over this appeal because Scheckel appealed from a final order or judgment. Scheckel failed to preserve error on the recusal issue because he did not raise it until after the district court ruled against him, dismissing his suit. And the court did not lack jurisdiction.
Case No. 23-0257: State of Iowa v. Jerry Lee Guy Jr.
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Muscatine County, Stuart P. Werling, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Potterfield, S.J. (11 pages)
Jerry Guy Jr. appeals his conviction for lascivious acts with a child. He raises evidentiary challenges and argues there is insufficient evidence to support his conviction. OPINION HOLDS: Guy failed to preserve error on his hearsay challenge. Because the district court did not abuse its discretion in admitting exhibits 1A–1D and substantial evidence supports Guy’s conviction, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0309: Steven Dean McGinnis v. State of Iowa
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marion County, Charles C. Sinnard, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (3 pages)
An applicant for postconviction relief appeals the dismissal of his application. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm.
Case No. 23-0347: In re Detention of Stone
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Fayette County, Richard D. Stochl, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (13 pages)
Max Evan Meharry Stone appeals from the trial court’s finding that he is a sexually violent predator and therefore should be civilly committed pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 229A (2019). OPINION HOLDS: Because we find that Stone’s constitutional rights were not violated, the court did not abuse its discretion in its evidentiary ruling, and sufficient evidence supports the court’s verdict, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0470: State of Iowa v. Jennifer Catano Ward
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Jason A. Burns, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Schumacher and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (5 pages)
A defendant appeals her conviction for operating while intoxicated, challenging the denial of her motion to suppress. OPINION HOLDS: We find that all the facts, taken together, would allow a reasonable officer to suspect impaired driving and conclude the district court correctly denied the defendant’s motion to suppress. Thus, we affirm her conviction.
Case No. 23-0647: Spring Crest Townhomes WDM v. Mickle Electric & Heating Co.
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dallas County, Charles C. Sinnard, Judge. AFFIRMED ON APPEAL AND CROSS-APPEAL. Heard by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (10 pages)
A subcontractor appeals a ruling determining that it breached a construction contract. The developer cross-appeals the ruling awarding the subcontractor an offset for unbilled labor. OPINION HOLDS: The district court’s determination that the subcontractor breached the contract is supported by substantial evidence. The district court’s determination that the defendant is entitled to an offset is also supported by substantial evidence.
Case No. 23-0657: In re the Marriage of Shannon
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Floyd County, Gregg R. Rosenbladt, Judge. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (15 pages)
Kara Shannon appeals from the decree dissolving her marriage with Chris Shannon. She challenges the joint-physical-care placement of their children, the child-support award based on that placement, and the valuation and division of the marital property and debts. OPINION HOLDS: Giving the district court’s thoughtful decision due deference, we agree that awarding joint physical care serves the best interests of the children. And the joint-physical-care label is appropriate for the roughly equal parenting schedule here. So Kara’s challenge to the child support calculation on that basis fails. We also agree with the district court’s fact findings on the existence of a personal loan and the amount of the Discover-credit-card debt. But Kara is correct that the property and debt division is inequitable given the parties’ circumstances because it is unequal. We thus increase Chris’s equalization payment to Kara. We decline to award Chris appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-0681: Patrick Lavern Holt v. State of Iowa
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Cerro Gordo County, Colleen Weiland, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered Badding, P.J., Bower, S.J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Gamble, S.J. (7 pages)
An applicant appeals the denial of postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: Because he has failed to establish prejudice in the outcome of his trial, the applicant has not met his burden for his ineffective-assistance-of-counsel claims.
Case No. 23-0690: State of Iowa v. Chad Chapline
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Bremer County, Chris Foy, Judge. SENTENCE VACATED AND REMANDED FOR RESENTENCING. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (9 pages)
A juvenile criminal defendant appeals his mandatory-minimum sentence for second-degree sexual abuse. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find the district court failed to consider one of the constitutionally required juvenile-sentencing factors, we vacate the sentence and remand with directions to re-sentence and apply the required factors. We also address Chapline’s petition for rehearing and the State’s response, and we decline to require resentencing before a different judge.
Case No. 23-0732: In re Marriage of Trulson
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Robert B. Hanson, Judge. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED AND REMANDED WITH INSTRUCTIONS. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (11 pages)
Timothy Trulson appeals from the decree dissolving his marriage to Holly Trulson. He argues that the division of the marital property failed to accurately value Holly’s IPERS account and equitably divide the parties’ property. OPINION HOLDS: Because neither party presented any actuarial evidence regarding the present value of the IPERS account, we conclude it must be divided using the Benson formula. We remand to the district court to create a QDRO. With the division of the IPERS account, recalculation of the division of property is needed. As part of the recalculation, we award Holly’s IRA to her and raise her property-settlement payment obligation.
Case No. 23-0795: Paul Yakel and Therese Yakel v. Randall W. Wheeler
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, James S. Heckerman, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., and Badding and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (16 pages)
Paul and Therese Yakel appeal the district court’s grant of summary judgment dismissing their breach-of-contract, breach-of-implied-warranty, and negligent-construction claims against Randall Wheeler arising from their home-siding-replacement project. OPINION HOLDS: The undisputed facts, including the Yakels’ repeated testimony that Wheeler was not their general contractor for the siding replacement project, shows that the Yakels’ did not contract with Wheeler to be their general contractor. And so their breach-of-contract claim and breach-of-implied warranty claims based on the contrary theory fail as a matter of law. Because their negligence claim also seeks to remedy their defeated expectations on the construction project, the economic-loss doctrine forecloses it as well.
Case No. 23-0860: Joshua James Royer v. State of Iowa
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Des Moines County, Joshua P. Schier, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (4 pages)
A postconviction applicant appeals the denial of relief, asserting ineffective assistance of counsel relating to jury selection and a motion for change of venue. OPINION HOLDS: Finding Royer did not prove counsel was ineffective, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0873: Warren Eugene Hardy v. State of Iowa
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Tod Deck, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Bower, S.J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Badding, J. (5 pages)
An applicant appeals the summary disposition of his application for postconviction relief, claiming his sentence violates ex post facto protections. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no ex post facto violation, we affirm the summary disposition of the applicant’s application for postconviction relief.
Case No. 23-0966: State of Iowa v. David Darold Blauer
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Valerie Clay, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (6 pages)
A defendant challenges his sentences for eluding, driving while barred, and operating while intoxicated. OPINION HOLDS: Because the court appropriately weighed the necessary factors in reaching its decision, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0999: State of Iowa v. Bryan Ray Dunn
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Audubon County, Jeffrey L. Larson, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (4 pages)
Brian Ray Dunn appeals the sentence imposed after pleading guilty to third‑degree sexual abuse, challenging the guilty plea proceedings. OPINION HOLDS: Because Dunn failed to preserve error by filing a motion in arrest of judgment, he has not shown good cause to appeal and we lack jurisdiction.
Case No. 23-1028: In re the Marriage of Bashore
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Greg W. Steensland, Judge. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Tabor and Greer, JJ., but decided by Tabor, P.J., Greer, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Greer, J. (17 pages)
James Bashore appeals the decree dissolving his marriage to Loriel Bashore (now known as Loriel Nordmeyer). James challenges the district court’s admission of exhibit 26, the spousal-support provision, the child-support provision, the division of marital property, and the award of $4000 in trial attorney fees to Loriel. Loriel asks that we affirm the district court and award her $2500 in appellate attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: Because exhibit 26 was inadmissible, we exclude it from our review on appeal. We affirm the spousal-support provision, the property division, and the $4000 award of trial attorney fees to Loriel. We reverse the district court’s determination that their child is a dependent adult and the corresponding child-support provision. Finally, we award Loriel $2500 in appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-1059: State of Iowa v. Jason Curtis Voshell
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Robert J. Richter, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (6 pages)
A defendant appeals his discretionary sentence, challenging the use of a victim impact statement and asserting the sentencing court abused its discretion. OPINION HOLDS: Finding error was not preserved on the victim impact statement, and the district court did not abuse its discretion in sentencing, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1060: State of Iowa v. Nathan Allen Wilson
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Linda M. Fangman, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (5 pages)
Nathan Wilson appeals his prison sentence stemming from the discharge of a weapon followed by a six-hour standoff with police. Wilson pleaded guilty to reckless use of a firearm causing bodily injury, interference with official acts while armed, and intimidation with a dangerous weapon. Wilson contends the district court should have suspended the prison sentence and instead placed him in residential treatment. OPINION HOLDS: We find no abuse of discretion in the sentencing, thus, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1112: State of Iowa v. Rocky Dean Trujillo
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marshall County, John J. Haney, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (9 pages)
Rocky Trujillo challenges his convictions for first-degree murder and two counts of first-degree robbery. OPINION HOLDS: Because sufficient evidence supports all three convictions, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1114: In re Marriage of Creese
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dallas County, Stacy Ritchie, Judge. AFFIRMED ON APPEAL AND CROSS-APPEAL. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Badding, P.J. (12 pages)
Phillip Creese appeals the property-division provisions in the district court’s decree dissolving his marriage to Colleen Creese. Colleen cross-appeals the court’s decision granting the parties joint physical care of their minor child and requests appellate attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, finding that the district court’s valuation of the marital home was within the range of permissible evidence. Additionally, we find the district court acted equitably in setting aside $25,000 from the value of the marital home for Phillip. As to the physical care arrangement for the parties’ minor child, we agree with the court that joint physical care is in the best interests of the child. Lastly, we deny Colleen’s request for appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-1135: State of Iowa v. Lasean Michael Brown
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Thomas A. Bitter, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (3 pages)
A criminal defendant appeals a discretionary sentence, urging the sentencing court had a fixed policy. OPINION HOLDS: We find the sentencing court did not have a fixed sentencing policy and did not abuse its discretion.
Case No. 23-1180: In the Interest of C.S., Minor Child
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Scott D. Rosenberg, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Bower, S.J. (10 pages)
A father appeals the private termination of his parental rights under Iowa Code section 600A.8 (2022). OPINION HOLDS: Because we conclude the grounds for termination were met and the best interests of the child favor termination, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1200: In re Guardianship of G.B.
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Harrison County, Charles D. Fagan, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Langholz, J., and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Badding, J. (15 pages)
A guardian appeals the termination of a minor guardianship. OPINION HOLDS: We conclude the juvenile court correctly terminated the guardianship and affirm.
Case No. 23-1201: Liberty Credit Services Inc. v. Roger Inlow
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marion County, Brad McCall, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (6 pages)
A debtor appeals from a ruling enforcing an unsatisfied small-claims judgment based on the limitations period. OPINION HOLDS: Concluding small-claims actions are tried in a court of record under our unified court system and therefore subject to a twenty-year limitations period, we affirm the district court.
Case No. 23-1259: State of Iowa v. George Diaz Avila
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Coleman McAllister, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (8 pages)
Defendant appeals the imposition of consecutive prison sentences. OPINION HOLDS: Because the district court gave a comprehensive statement of reasons, including acknowledging mitigating factors and reasons for imposition of consecutive terms of imprisonment, we find no abuse of discretion and affirm.
Case No. 23-1362: State of Iowa v. Juan Escorbedo Hernandez, Jr.
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Wapello County, Kirk Daily, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (3 pages)
A criminal defendant attempts to appeal an agreed-upon sentence entered following his guilty plea. OPINION HOLDS: Because this attempted appeal is not supported by good cause, we dismiss it.
Case No. 23-1365: State of Iowa v. Zachary James Chelf
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Meghan Corbin, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., Badding, J., and Blane, S.J. Opinion by Blane, S.J. Dissent by Ahlers, P.J. (10 pages)
Zachary Chelf appeals the sentence imposed following his guilty plea, alleging the State violated the plea agreement by stating he is a “good fit” for a residential correctional facility for supervised probation. OPINION HOLDS: We find the State did not breach the plea agreement and affirm. DISSENT ASSERTS: I would conclude the prosecutor’s sentencing recommendation for the defendant to be placed on supervised probation at a residential correctional facility went beyond the plea agreement’s joint sentencing recommendation that the defendant be placed on supervised probation. As a result, I believe the prosecutor violated the spirit of the plea agreement and resentencing before a different judge is necessary.
Case No. 23-1427: MidAmerican Energy Company v. Knife River Midwest, LLC, d/b/a Knife River
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Steven J. Andreasen, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Bower, C.J., Tabor, Schumacher, Ahlers, Badding, Chicchelly, Buller, and Langholz, JJ, but decided by Tabor, P.J., Schumacher, Ahlers, Badding, Chicchelly, Buller, and Langholz, JJ, and Bower, S.J. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (9 pages)
MidAmerican Energy Company appeals a dismissal of its action and claims Iowa Code chapter 480 (2022) provides a private cause of action. OPINION HOLDS: We conclude chapter 480 does not provide for a private cause of action and the district court properly granted the motion to dismiss. Accordingly, we affirm the district court.
Case No. 23-1452: In re the Marriage of Nunez
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Warren County, Thomas P. Murphy, Judge. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED ON APPEAL, AFFIRMED ON CROSS-APPEAL, AND REMANDED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (14 pages)
Elias Nunez appeals, and Chelsey Nunez cross-appeals, the decree dissolving their marriage, including the provisions dividing their property and setting Elias’s visitation schedule. Elias also appeals the district court’s refusal to hold Chelsey in contempt for violating a temporary order to make vehicle loan and insurance payments. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the district court’s division of their Indianola acreage’s proceeds on both the appeal and cross-appeal. The decree appropriately permitted the parties to file separate tax returns for 2022 and equitably allocated credits and deductions. But we agree with Elias that the decree went too far in awarding Chelsey survivorship rights in Elias’s IPERS pension and thus modify the decree to remove this provision and remand for the district court to issue a new QDRO. The visitation schedule is in the children’s best interest. We see no gross abuse of discretion in the district court’s refusal to hold Chelsey in contempt. And we award Chelsey $3000 in appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-1649: State of Iowa v. David Lee Polkinghorn
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Robert J. Richter, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (5 pages)
A criminal defendant challenges his discretionary sentence, urging his criminal history was not part of the record. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm because the criminal history was part of the record, and the defendant did not object to it.
Case No. 23-1659: Mark Irland v. Marengo Memorial Hospital, d/b/a Compass Memorial Healthcare, Marengo Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees d/b/a Compass Memorial Healthcare Board of Trustees, Barry G. Goettsch, and Natasha Hauschilt
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Iowa County, Fae Hoover Grinde, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART AND REVERSED IN PART. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (10 pages)
Dr. Mark Irland appeals the granting of summary judgment and the award of damages to the defendants. OPINION HOLDS: The district court properly granted summary judgment because Dr. Irland waived all claims arising from before the settlement agreement was enforced, and that waiver covers all of the claims he raised in this action. Thus, we affirm the district court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of the defendants. However, because the defendants did not provide statutory or contractual support for their award of attorney fees and the record does not show conduct that is intentional and likely aggravated by cruel and tyrannical motives to support a common law attorney fee award of damages, we reverse the district court’s attorney fee award.
Case No. 24-0094: In the Interest of D.A., Minor Child
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Warren County, William A. Price and Mark F. Schlenker, Judges. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Blane, S.J. Opinion by Blane, S.J. (11 pages)
K.G. appeals the child-in-need-of-assistance adjudication and disposition regarding her child, D.A. K.G. contends that the State failed to prove the grounds for adjudication and removal. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find the State showed an imminent risk to D.A., we affirm.
Case No. 24-0490: In the Interest of L.H., Minor Child
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Thomas J. Straka, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (5 pages)
The mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her child. OPINION HOLDS: The mother is not able to provide for the present and future needs of her child, and delaying termination for six more months will not correct the situation. We affirm the termination of the mother’s parental rights.
Case No. 24-0504: In the Interest of B.U. and A.U., Minor Children
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Christine Dalton, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (8 pages)
The mother and father separately appeal termination of their parental rights to their children. OPINION HOLDS: After considering the arguments put forward by both parents on appeal, we affirm the termination of both parents’ rights.
Case No. 24-0561: In the Interest of J.K., Minor Child
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Jones County, Joan M. Black, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (8 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights, challenging the sufficiency of evidence supporting the grounds for termination and arguing termination is contrary to the child’s best interests because of the parent-child bond. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the termination of the mother’s parental rights.
Case No. 24-0562: In the Interest of D.G. and D.G., Minor Children
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Keokuk County, Patrick McAvan, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (5 pages)
A mother appeals the establishment of guardianships for two of her children. OPINION HOLDS: The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services made reasonable efforts towards reunification. We do not grant the mother additional time to work toward reunification, and we agree with the juvenile court at the establishment of guardianships is in the children’s best interests.
Case No. 24-0612: In the Interest of L.M., Minor Child
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Rachael E. Seymour, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (9 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: Termination of the mother’s parental rights is supported by clear and convincing evidence under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(h) (2023), termination is in the best interest of the child, and the application of a permissive exception is unwarranted. We affirm.
Case No. 24-0678: In the Interest of J.K.-O and J.K., Minor Children
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Grundy County, Daniel L. Block, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (9 pages)
A mother and father separately appeal the termination of their respective parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: The mother does not challenge all of the statutory grounds for termination, so we find statutory grounds authorizing termination of her rights satisfied under the unchallenged grounds. The State established that the children cannot be safely returned to the father’s custody, satisfying a statutory ground for termination of his parental rights. Termination of the father’s rights is in the children’s best interests. We decline to apply a permissive exception to preserve the father’s parental rights. We do not grant either parent any additional time to work toward reunification.
Case No. 24-0750: In the Interest of N.S., Minor Child
Filed Jul 03, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Thomas J. Straka, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (6 pages)
Parents separately appeal the termination of their parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the termination of both parents’ rights.
Case No. 22-1587: State of Iowa v. Jose Eduardo Victor
Filed Jun 19, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marshall County, Kim M. Riley, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (4 pages)
A defendant appeals his convictions for eluding, driving while revoked, and leaving the scene of a personal-injury accident. He alleges the prosecution—having more information about prospective jurors—enjoyed an unfair advantage during voir dire. OPINION HOLDS: Because the defendant did not raise this issue until his motion for new trial, he failed to preserve error. We thus affirm without reaching the merits of his allegation.
Case No. 22-1865: County Bank v. Shalla
Filed Jun 19, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Washington County, Michael J. Schilling and Shawn Showers, Judges. AFFIRMED AND REMANDED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. Partial Dissent by Langholz, J. (23 pages)
Clint and Michelle Shalla appeal the district court decisions granting summary judgment and a directed verdict, denying extended discovery, and denying them a new trial. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find the district court correctly applied Iowa Code section 535.17 (2018) and the principles of vicarious liability to grant summary judgment and a directed verdict, and it did not abuse its discretion in denying extended discovery or a new trial, we affirm and remand for a determination of appellate attorney fees for County Bank. PARTIAL DISSENT ASSERTS: While I join much of the well-reasoned majority opinion, I cannot agree that the district court properly dismissed the tort claims against Chris Goerdt and Peoples Trust and Savings Bank based on Iowa Code section 535.17, a statute that makes certain agreements “not enforceable in contract law.”
Case No. 22-1952: In re Detention of Austin Sims
Filed Jun 19, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Chickasaw County, Richard D. Stochl, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Badding, J., and Blane, S.J. Opinion by Blane, S.J. (18 pages)
Austin Sims appeals the finding he committed second-degree sexual abuse and the admission of hearsay testimony and forensic recorded interviews under the residual hearsay exception in Iowa Rule of Evidence 5.807. OPINION HOLDS: The trial court correctly found the video recorded forensic interviews were properly admissible under the residual hearsay exception and there was substantial evidence that Sims committed sex abuse to support the sexual violent predator determination and commitment. Admission of other hearsay evidence, if erroneous, was harmless. So we affirm the determination Sims committed sexual abuse.
Case No. 22-1990: State of Iowa v. Lee Vandyke Carter
Filed Jun 19, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Winnebago County, James M. Drew, Judge. CONVICTIONS AFFIRMED; SENTENCES REVERSED AND REMANDED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Badding, J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Carr, S.J. (9 pages)
Lee Carter appeals from his convictions, sentence, and judgment for false imprisonment and sexual abuse in the third degree following a jury trial. Carter argues the charge of false imprisonment was not proper to submit as a lesser-included offense of the original charge of kidnapping in the first degree, the trial court erred in failing to grant a mistrial due to the admission of prior bad acts evidence, and the trial court inappropriately imposed a mixed sentence of both prison and jail. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm Carter’s convictions; we reverse his sentences and remand for resentencing.
Case No. 22-2109: State of Iowa v. Jachina Monet Hill
Filed Jun 19, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Jeanie Vaudt, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Badding, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Potterfield, S.J. (9 pages)
Jachina Hill appeals her convictions and sentences, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence supporting the finding she knowingly possessed the pills—a common element of counts I and II—and argues the court failed to provide adequate reasons on the record for the sentence imposed. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm Hill’s convictions and sentences.
Case No. 23-0101: Demarrio Deshon Wright v. State of Iowa
Filed Jun 19, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, John J. Sullivan, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (6 pages)
A postconviction applicant appeals the denial of relief. OPINION HOLDS: We reject the structural-error claim and affirm.
Case No. 23-0271: Dwight Hearing v. Kevin Alexander and K&L Properties, LLC
Filed Jun 19, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Roger L. Sailer, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Langholz, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Langholz, J. (13 pages)
Dwight Hearing appeals the district court’s ruling that he failed to establish a new boundary line by acquiescence between K&L Properties, LLC’s farmland and his residential property. OPINION HOLDS: We review a boundary-by-acquiescence claim under Iowa Code chapter 650 for corrections of errors of law—not de novo. And under this proper standard of review, substantial evidence supports the district court’s finding that Hearing failed to prove by clear evidence that prior owners of the farmland acquiesced to his alleged boundary line.
Case No. 23-0286: State of Iowa v. Joseph Wayne Hanson Jr.
Filed Jun 19, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Lee (South) County, Wyatt Peterson, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED FOR NEW TRIAL. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Danilson, S.J. (8 pages)
Joseph Hanson Jr. appeals his convictions following the denial of his motion to continue. OPINION HOLDS: The district court abused its discretion when it denied the motion to continue, and Hanson established that injustice resulted. We reverse and remand for new trial before a different judge.
Case No. 23-0335: Estate of Kathleen Hazen, by Steven J. Hazen, Administrator, and Steven J. Hazen, Individually v. Genesis Health System d/b/a Genesis Medical Center, and William E. Olson, M.D.
Filed Jun 19, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Meghan Corbin, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher, Ahlers, Badding, and Buller, JJ. Langholz, J., takes no part. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (12 pages)
The Estate of Kathleen Hazen and Steven Hazen (the Hazens) appeal the district court’s judgment entered on a jury verdict in favor of Dr. William Olson on the Hazens’ medical malpractice action. The Hazens claim the court erred in preventing them from impeaching Dr. Olson with evidence of prior professional disciplinary matters, instructing the jury on alternative methods of treatment, and engaging in “prejudicial misconduct during trial.” OPINION HOLDS: Upon review, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0500: Brandy Renee Byrd v. State of Iowa
Filed Jun 19, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Christopher L. Bruns, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Buller, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Gamble, S.J. (6 pages)
Brandy Byrd appeals the denial of her third application for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: Finding Byrd has not established her sentence is grossly disproportionate to her crime, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0864: In re the Marriage of Word
Filed Jun 19, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Cerro Gordo County, Gregg Rosenbladt, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Badding and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (12 pages)
Bridget Grady appeals the district court’s order on her petition to modify the decree dissolving her marriage to Brett Word, challenging the court’s denial of her request for physical care of the parties’ child. OPINION HOLDS: Upon review, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0987: State of Iowa v. Christopher Lavelle Mitchell
Filed Jun 19, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, John Telleen, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. Partial Dissent by Buller, J. (10 pages)
A criminal defendant seeks discretionary review of a ruling on his motion in arrest of judgment and challenges the imposition of consecutive sentences. OPINION HOLDS: We grant discretionary review of the district court’s ruling on the motion in arrest of judgment but affirm that ruling on the merits. Finding no abuse of discretion in sentencing, we affirm the imposition of consecutive sentences. PARTIAL DISSENT ASSERTS: Because exercising our extraordinary jurisdiction to decide the guilty-plea issue is contrary to legislative intent, an abuse of the discretion granted to us by the elected branches, and a waste of judicial resources, I dissent from granting discretionary review.
Case No. 23-1172: State of Iowa v. Joshua Benjamin Kutcher
Filed Jun 19, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, Steven P. Van Marel, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (5 pages)
A defendant appeals his conviction for attempting to disarm a peace officer. He seeks a new trial, contending the jury should have received a specific-intent instruction. OPINION HOLDS: Because the crime only required proof of general intent, we find no error. Thus, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1614: State of Iowa v. Lanard Antonio Collins
Filed Jun 19, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Buchanan County, Alan T. Heavens, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (5 pages)
Lanard Antonio Collins appeals the sentence imposed after his guilty plea to willful injury resulting in bodily injury as a habitual offender, contending the district court abused its sentencing discretion by relying on certain factors and imposing incarceration instead of probation. OPINION HOLDS: Because we conclude that the district court did not abuse its discretion, we affirm Collins’s sentence.
Case No. 24-0185: In the Interest of E.W., Minor Child
Filed Jun 19, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Romonda Belcher, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (7 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights. He challenges the statutory grounds authorizing termination, argues termination is not in the child’s best interests, and requests we apply a permissive exception to termination. OPINION HOLDS: The State established statutory grounds for termination, and termination is in the child’s best interests. We decline to apply a permissive exception to termination.
Case No. 24-0364: In the Interest of D.S., Minor Child
Filed Jun 19, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Lucas County, Erik I. Howe, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (7 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: The statutory ground for termination under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(f) (2023) was met because the mother’s ongoing substance use and inability to provide for the child’s safety demonstrated that the child could not be returned to the mother’s custody without exposure to harm. The same issues made termination in the child’s best interests. The mother waived her two additional claims. We affirm.
Case No. 24-0428: In the Interest of A.M. and A.M., Minor Children
Filed Jun 19, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Washington County, Patrick McAvan, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (7 pages)
A mother challenges the termination of her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm.
Case No. 24-0536: In the Interest of A.C. and A.C., Minor Children
Filed Jun 19, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Susan Cox, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (11 pages)
A mother and father each appeal the termination of their parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: We find there is clear and convincing evidence in the record to support termination of the mother’s parental rights. We find termination of the father’s parental rights is in the children’s best interests, an exception to termination should not be applied, and it would not be in the children’s best interests to grant the father an additional extension of time. We affirm the termination of the mother’s and father’s parental rights.
Case No. 24-0576: In the Interest of M.H., Minor Child
Filed Jun 19, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Warren County, Mark F. Schlenker, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (7 pages)
The juvenile court terminated the father’s parental rights to M.H., born in September 2022, pursuant to Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(h) (2023). The father appeals, arguing the State failed to prove the statutory ground because M.H. could be returned at the time of the termination trial or, alternatively, it would have been in M.H.’s best interests to establish a guardianship rather than terminate parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: Because questions regarding the father’s sobriety and his protective capacity persist, the State proved M.H. could not be returned to the father’s custody at the time of the termination trial. On the record before us, we cannot say the juvenile court should have established a guardianship in lieu of terminating the father’s parental rights. We affirm.
Case No. 24-0585: In the Interest of M.W., L.W., and M.W., Minor Children
Filed Jun 19, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Thomas J. Straka, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (8 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: We find the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying the father’s motion for a continuance. We also conclude the court properly denied the father’s request for a six-month extension of time for reunification efforts. We affirm the termination of the father’s parental rights.
Case No. 24-0629: In the Interest of M.H., M.H., and T.H., Minor Children
Filed Jun 19, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Susan Cox, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (6 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights to three children. OPINION HOLDS: Clear and convincing evidence supports terminating the father’s parental rights under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(f) (2024), and termination is in the children’s best interests. Because none of the circumstances set out section 232.116(3) apply, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1497: State of Iowa v. Mathurin Pettit
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, David M. Cox, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., Buller, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Gamble, S.J. (12 pages)
A criminal defendant appeals his convictions for third-degree sexual abuse. OPINION HOLDS: We find sufficient evidence supports the convictions, and the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Pettit’s motion for mistrial. We affirm.
Case No. 22-1881: State of Iowa v. Jon Thomas Kucharo
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Tamra Roberts (Trial) and Partick A. Mcelyea (Sentencing), Judges. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Blane, S.J. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (6 pages)
Jon Kucharo appeals his conviction for harassment in the first degree, arguing insufficient evidence supported the verdict and the court abused its discretion in imposing a prison sentence. OPINION HOLDS: Because sufficient evidence supports each element of the crime, we affirm the conviction. The challenge to the sentence is moot due to discharge of the sentence.
Case No. 22-1882: State of Iowa v. Datarius Dewon Spates
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Andrea J. Dryer, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Vogel, S.J. (6 pages)
Datarius Spates appeals from the district court’s denial of his motion for new trial based on newly discovered evidence. OPINION HOLDS: Because Spates failed to meet his burden to prove the affiant or purported eyewitness provided newly discovered information, nor would either likely change the trial’s result, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1963: In re Marriage of Sanders
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Sarah Crane and Jeanie Vaudt, Judges. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (17 pages)
A husband appeals the decree dissolving his marriage, arguing the district court erred in (1) finding a premarital agreement between the parties unenforceable, (2) treating his inherited assets as marital property, (3) requiring him to be partially responsible for debt under a home equity line of credit, (4) conditioning the duration of his obligation to pay his wife’s health insurance expenses on whether he exercised his right to appeal, and (5) awarding his wife trial attorney fees. The wife requests an award of appellate attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the district court on all issues except the award of trial attorney fees. Because those fees were not supported by an itemization, we modify the decree to vacate the award and remand for reconsideration of trial attorney fees consistent with this opinion, together with the wife’s request for appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-0139: Sean Michael Freese v. State of Iowa
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Henry W. Latham II, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Buller, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Doyle, S.J. (5 pages)
Sean Freese appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: Freese has not shown his trial attorneys’ strategic decision to forgo a diminished responsibility defense denied him effective assistance of counsel. There is insufficient evidence in the record to allow us to resolve a claim of ineffective assistance of postconviction-relief counsel raised for the first time on appeal.
Case No. 23-0156: Heartland Co-Op v. Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Jeffrey D. Bert, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. Dissent by Langholz, J. (19 pages)
Heartland Co-op (Heartland) appeals the district court’s grant of summary judgment to Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company, arguing the insurance policy issued to Heartland allowed it to recover for separate losses at each location, subject to the per loss coverage limit in the policy. OPINION HOLDS: Under the terms of the policy, Heartland suffered only one loss, so we affirm. DISSENT ASSERTS: Interpreting the text of the policy as a whole, I would hold that a business-interruption loss is tied to physical loss or damage at a specific location. So when more than one location has physical losses, the business interruption at each of those locations is multiple losses too. And because the $3 million limit is per loss—not per occurrence or per peril or capped by the catastrophe limit that the parties chose not to set—Heartland can claim up to $3 million for each of the business interruption losses arising from each of the physical losses at Heartland’s locations. Even if the majority’s contrary interpretation is also reasonable, the policy is fairly susceptible to two interpretations, and this interpretation favoring the insured must thus be adopted.
Case No. 23-0217: Norris v. Paulson
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Sarah Crane, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND REMANDED. Heard by Tabor, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (11 pages)
In September 2019, Des Moines Police Officer Trudy Paulson shot Bryan Norris while responding to complaints about a homeless camp near the Racoon River. Norris sued Paulson and the city alleging unreasonable seizure under the state constitution and common law assault. The district court denied the city’s motion for summary judgment. After that denial, our supreme court overruled Godfrey v. State, 898 N.W.2d 844 (Iowa 2017), which had recognized standalone suits for damages under the Iowa Constitution. See Burnett v. Smith, 990 N.W.2d 289, 307 (Iowa 2023). In this interlocutory appeal, the city argues that Burnett eliminated Norris’s constitutional claim. It also contends that Officer Paulson’s use of force was reasonable under Iowa Code section 804.8 (2022). OPINION HOLDS: On the first issue, the city is correct that Norris’s constitutional claim cannot move forward after Burnett. On the second issue, the district court was correct in deciding the common law assault claim was for the jury to decide. Thus, we affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand for trial on the assault claim.
Case No. 23-0308: Jeffery A. Oppedahl and Angela M. Oppedahl v. First State Bank
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Hamilton County, Jennifer Miller, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED. Heard by Bower, C.J., Chicchelly, J., and Gamble, S.J. Langholz, J., takes no part. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (9 pages)
Jeffery and Angela Oppedahl appeal the district court’s order dismissing their invasion-of-privacy claims against First State Bank. OPINION HOLDS: We reverse the district court’s order granting First State Bank’s motion to dismiss and remand for further proceedings.
Case No. 23-0314: In the Matter of the Judith C. Rolenc Revocable Trust
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Montgomery County, Craig M. Dreismeier, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Badding and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (15 pages)
Scott Rolenc appeals the district court’s order recognizing his brother, Steve Rolenc, as successor trustee of their mother’s trust. OPINION HOLDS: Upon review, we affirm the court’s order.
Case No. 23-0429: James Allen Breen v. State of Iowa
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Patrick R. Grady, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Buller, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Doyle, S.J. (10 pages)
James Allen Breen appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief (PCR). OPINION HOLDS: We agree with the PCR court’s determination that Breen was not prejudiced by any deficiencies in counsel’s performance. We affirm the denial of his PCR application.
Case No. 23-0437: State of Iowa v. Todd Matthew Crosgrove
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Mark C. Cord, III, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (6 pages)
Todd Matthew Crosgrove challenges the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his conviction. OPINION HOLDS: Because substantial evidence supports the verdict, we affirm his conviction.
Case No. 23-0456: State of Iowa v. Erica Lynn Velez
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Tama County, Fae Hoover Grinde, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (6 pages)
A defendant challenges her sentences arising from an armed assault at a social club. She raises a due process argument and challenges the sentencing court’s discretion. OPINION HOLDS: We find that the defendant failed to preserve error on her constitutional claim and detect no abuse of discretion on the court’s denial of a deferred judgment. Thus, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0507: Elias Walter Wanatee v. State of Iowa
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Jeffrey A. Neary, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (5 pages)
An applicant appeals the denial of postconviction relief related to trial counsel’s effectiveness. OPINION HOLDS: Because the applicant failed to generate a triable issue, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0508: State of Iowa v. Patrick Donover Sallis
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, David P. Odekirk, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Badding, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Doyle, S.J. (8 pages)
Patrick Sallis appeals the denial of his motion to suppress evidence supporting his conviction for possession of a firearm as a felon and habitual offender. OPINION HOLDS: The information in the application for the search warrant was timely and provided a sufficient nexus between criminal activity and the places to be searched. When viewed together, the circumstances before the district court that issued the warrant provide a sufficient basis for finding the informant’s information was credible. Because probable cause supported the search warrant, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0530: State of Iowa v. Donnell E. Thomas
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Plymouth County, Steven J. Andreasen, Judge. CONVICTIONS AFFIRMED; SENTENCES VACATED AND REMANDED FOR RESENTENCING. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (11 pages)
Donnelle Thomas appeals his convictions and sentences, claiming the district court violated his right to a speedy trial, there was insufficient evidence to find him guilty of possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of marijuana, and the district court abused its sentencing discretion. OPINION HOLDS: Upon review, we affirm Thomas’s convictions, but we vacate the sentencing order and remand for resentencing.
Case No. 23-0550: George Prentiss III v. State of Iowa
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Clinton County, John Telleen, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., Badding, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Potterfield, S.J. (6 pages)
George Prentiss III appeals the summary dismissal of his fifth application for postconviction relief (PCR) following his 2002 convictions for first-degree murder and first-degree robbery. He argues summary disposition was not appropriate because he created a genuine issue of material fact regarding whether his application contained newly-discovered evidence that would except it from the three-year time-bar. OPINION HOLDS: Because Prentiss failed to raise a new ground of fact that allows him to avoid the statute of limitations, his fifth PCR application is time-barred and summary disposition was appropriate.
Case No. 23-0658: Gary Charles Wood Jr. v. State of Iowa
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Coleman McAllister, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (8 pages)
An applicant appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief, claiming the district court erred in rejecting his claims of ineffective assistance of counsel and prosecutorial misconduct. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the denial of this application for postconviction relief.
Case No. 23-0669: Joe Anthony Lopez v. State of Iowa
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Robert B. Hanson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (12 pages)
Joe Lopez appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief (PCR.) He contends new scientific evidence on shaken baby syndrome and abuse head trauma undermines his conviction. And he argues his criminal trial counsel was ineffective by (1) not challenging prior bad acts testimony and (2) not marshalling scientific data to rebut the State’s expert witnesses. OPINION HOLDS: Lopez did not raise the second ineffective-assistance claim before the PCR court, so we do not address it. We find his newly discovered evidence claim and his bad-acts ineffectiveness challenge lack merit. So we affirm denial of PCR.
Case No. 23-0689: Erik Guadalupe Davila v. State of Iowa
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Wapello County, Crystal S. Cronk, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (10 pages)
Erik Davila appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: Because he failed to prove the prejudice element of his ineffective-assistance claim, we affirm the district court’s denial of his application for postconviction relief.
Case No. 23-0705: Robinson v. Linn County Board of Supervisors
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, David M. Cox, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (22 pages)
Appellants challenge the district court decision annulling a writ of certiorari. OPINION HOLDS: The district court applied the correct standard in reviewing the county board’s actions, the rezoning is not inconsistent with the county comprehensive plan, the overlay district established by the rezoning does not violate the uniformity requirement of Iowa Code section 335.4 (2022); the board decision is not an illegal zoning of agricultural property under section 335.2; the board decision does not violate Linn County Ordinance section 107-68(3)(g), Linn County Ordinance section 107-70(1)(i) does not illegally alter the county comprehensive plan; the rezoning is not a taking of the appellants’ property, and the rezoning is not illegal. Accordingly, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0981: State of Iowa v. Lonnie James Pryor
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Warren County, Kevin Parker, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (5 pages)
A criminal defendant challenges a suppression ruling, sufficiency of the evidence, and the sentence imposed. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, finding reasonable suspicion and probable cause for the stop, sufficient evidence for the conviction, and no abuse of sentencing discretion by the district court.
Case No. 23-0985: State of Iowa v. Jason Aaron Gordon
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Mark R. Lawson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (12 pages)
A defendant appeals his conviction for assault causing serious injury. OPINION HOLDS: The State presented substantial evidence to support the conviction and the district court did not abuse its discretion in overruling the defendant’s motion for a mistrial. We affirm.
Case No. 23-0991: Jason Shimar Keys v. State of Iowa
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Cerro Gordo County, Chris Foy, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (15 pages)
An applicant appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find that none of the errors alleged constituted a breach of duty, Keys has failed to demonstrate ineffective assistance of his trial counsel. And because Keys has not demonstrated a breach of his trial counsel’s duty, his cumulative error claim also fails for lack of prejudice. We affirm.
Case No. 23-1041: In the Interest of B.B., Minor Child
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Joseph Seidlin, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (6 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights under Iowa Code chapter 600A (2023), arguing the mother failed to prove he abandoned the child, and that termination of his parental rights was in the child’s best interest. OPINION HOLDS: Because the mother proved the father abandoned the child and that termination of the father’s parental rights is in the child’s best interest, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1043: State of Iowa v. Julius De Vonte Blakeley
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Palo Alto County, Carl J. Peterson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (14 pages)
Julius De Vonte Blakeley appeals his convictions, contending insufficient evidence supports the domestic abuse assault conviction and the State violated his constitutional right to speedy trial. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find sufficient evidence supports the domestic abuse assault conviction and we further find that his speedy‑trial right was not violated, we affirm Blakeley’s convictions.
Case No. 23-1062: State of Iowa v. Eric Anela Perry
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Charles D. Fagan, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (12 pages)
Eric Perry appeals his conviction for operating while intoxicated. OPINION HOLDS: The State presented substantial evidence that Perry had lost control of his bodily actions or motions to an extent, and Perry waived his challenge to juror bias and did not establish the necessity of an evidentiary hearing. For these reasons, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1063: State of Iowa v. Alison Elaine Dorsey
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Cass County, Amy Zacharias, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, P.J. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (14 pages)
Defendant appeals her convictions for second-degree murder and child endangerment causing death. OPINION HOLDS: We conclude the verdict was supported by substantial evidence. The district court did not abuse its discretion in granting a change of venue. The district court did not abuse its discretion in admitting evidence of a possible source of a rib injury or by denying additional trait witnesses as cumulative. The district court did not abuse its discretion in denying the motion for a new trial. We affirm.
Case No. 23-1078: In re Estate of Bartosh
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Benton County, Chad Kepros, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (11 pages)
The appellants challenge a district court’s grant of summary judgment that denied their challenge to a will and argue the terms of the will create an improper restriction on the alienation of title. They also claim the court did not follow the parties’ mediation agreement and erred by enforcing a no-contest provision contained in the will. OPINION HOLDS: We find the district court properly granted summary judgment. Because we affirm the grant of summary judgment, we determine the issue of the no-contest provision is moot and we render no further opinion on such issue.
Case No. 23-1345: State of Iowa v. Jeremy Allyn Crandall
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Christopher L. Bruns, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Blane, S.J. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (6 pages)
A defendant appeals his sentence following is guilty plea. OPINION HOLDS: The district court did not abuse its discretion, so we affirm.
Case No. 23-1355: In the Matter of the Trust of Duane M. Pagel
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Fayette County, Richard D. Stochl, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART, VACATED IN PART, AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Chicchelly and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (13 pages)
Richard Pagel appeals the ruling denying his application for fees, costs, and expenses. OPINION HOLDS: We vacate the district court’s ruling insofar as it denied Richard’s request for payment of fees, costs, and expenses related to his defense of the trust’s 1998 farm stock sale and remand with directions to determine if he is entitled to payment as to that challenge and the appropriate award. We affirm as to the 2010 real estate sale as we find that the court did not abuse its discretion in disallowing fees, costs, and expenses for Richard defending against reasonable claims by the trust’s beneficiaries over his breach of the duty of loyalty and self-dealing.
Case No. 23-1693: State of Iowa v. Charles Lee Brumley
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Jasper County, Charles C. Sinnard, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (3 pages)
Charles Brumley appeals his sentence following his guilty plea to theft in the third degree, arguing the district court imposed an illegal sentence. OPINION HOLDS: Because Brumley received the sentence to which he agreed pursuant to the plea agreement, he has not established good cause to appeal following his guilty plea, so we dismiss his appeal.
Case No. 23-1731: State of Iowa v. Benjamin Frederick Hurry
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Henry W. Latham II, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART, VACATED IN PART, AND REMANDED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (5 pages)
Defendant appeals the district court’s decision to sentence him to incarceration rather than probation. OPINION HOLDS: The district court properly considered the relevant factors in sentencing the defendant, but the court was without authority to order the defendant to complete sex offender treatment. Accordingly, we vacate the sentence in part and remand for the entry of a corrected sentencing order eliminating the requirement to complete sex offender treatment.
Case No. 24-0052: In the Interest of K.H., Minor Child
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Cerro Gordo County, Adam D. Sauer, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (8 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights, challenging reasonable efforts, the use of unfounded child abuse assessments, and references to her past substance use. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm.
Case No. 24-0218: In the Interest of W.T., L.T., and L.T., Minor Children
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Washington County, Daniel Kitchen, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Bower, C.J., Greer, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Gamble, S.J. Special Concurrence by Greer, J. (13 pages)
A mother and child separately appeal the termination of the mother’s parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: Because the mother continues to pose a threat to the children’s long-term best interests, we affirm termination of her rights. SPECIAL CONCURRENCE ASSERTS: I write separately to emphasize the cracks in the safety system afforded to children like O.T., who find themselves in the child-in-need-of-assistance world. The stated goal of reunification of families is not realistic if the mental health of a child diagnosed with serious mental-health conditions is not addressed. We can do better, and we should do better.
Case No. 24-0435: In the Interest of A.C., B.C., and P.C., Minor Children
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Poweshiek County, Richelle Mahaffey, Judge. AFFIRMED ON APPEAL AND CROSS-APPEAL. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (11 pages)
A father appeals a district court dispositional order that continued removal of his children from his custody and denied his motion to remove the guardian ad litem. The mother cross-appeals the dispositional order related to concurrent jurisdiction and visitation. OPINION HOLDS: Continued removal of the three children from the father’s custody was warranted in light of the father’s failure to address a history of physical abuse and placement with the mother was the least restrictive placement available. The current placement is in their best interest, and it is contrary to the children’s welfare to be in their father’s custody. We also affirm the court’s denial of the father’s motion to remove the guardian ad litem, the court’s grant of concurrent jurisdiction as to child support only, the specific visitation for the father, and allowance of supervision of the father’s visitation by the paternal grandparents.
Case No. 24-0486: In the Interest of R.F., Minor Child
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Stephanie Forker Parry, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (7 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her child. OPINION HOLDS: The juvenile court acted within its discretion by denying the mother’s motion to continue the termination hearing. Because clear and convincing evidence supports a ground for termination, termination is in the child’s best interests, and termination will not harm the child based on the strength of the parent-child bond, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0503: In the Interest of J.S. and S.S., Minor Children
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Joan M. Black, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (9 pages)
Parents separately appeal the termination of their parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the termination of both parents’ rights.
Case No. 24-0521: In the Interest of A.A., Minor Child
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Joan M. Black, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (9 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her twenty-month-old son. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find the statutory ground for termination is supported, termination is in his best interests, a statutory exception does not apply, and an extension is unwarranted, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0534: In the Interest of E.C.-K., Minor Child
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Jefferson County, Patrick McAvan, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Badding, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (11 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her child, challenging the State’s reasonable efforts, statutory grounds for termination, and determination that termination is in the child’s best interests. She also argues a six‑month extension should have been granted. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find the statutory grounds are satisfied, termination is in the best interests of the child, and additional time is not warranted, we affirm termination of the mother’s parental rights.
Case No. 24-0546: In the Interest of M.H., Minor Child
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Joan M. Black, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (11 pages)
Parents separately appeal the termination of their parental rights, challenging the sufficiency of evidence supporting the ground for termination and arguing termination is contrary to the child’s best interests due to the closeness of the parent-child bond. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the termination of both parents’ rights.
Case No. 24-0597: In the Interest of B.W., Minor Child
Filed Jun 05, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Lynn Poschner, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (5 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights, arguing that he should have been granted additional time to work toward reunification. OPINION HOLDS: The juvenile court correctly denied the father’s request for additional time to work toward reunification.
Case No. 21-1491: State of Iowa v. Joseph Vernon Kremer
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Fae Hoover Grinde, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (6 pages)
Joseph Kremer contends that he was denied due process when the district court imposed judgment and sentence before he entered guilty pleas for two offenses—operating without owner’s consent and eluding—committed in September 2021. The State concedes that those convictions postdated the judgment and sentence but argues that Kremer lacks good cause to appeal because the premature sentence was what he bargained for in the later-filed plea agreement. OPINION HOLDS: Kremer lacks good cause to appeal because the sentence was what he bargained for in the plea agreement. We dismiss the appeal.
Case No. 22-0392: Goettsch v. Heidman Law Firm LLP
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Sarah Crane, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (15 pages)
A claimant appeals adverse rulings following a jury trial and post-trial motions in a legal malpractice action against the attorneys representing him in the buy-out of shares in a family-farm corporation. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, finding the requested instruction was not supported by the evidence, issue preclusion was appropriately decided, and the remaining motion-in-limine issue was not preserved.
Case No. 22-1736: State of Iowa v. Chase Brian Mead
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, David M. Porter, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Carr, S.J. (8 pages)
Chase Mead appeals his convictions for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, failure to affix a drug tax stamp, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, and possession of a firearm as a felon. OPINION HOLDS: We conclude there is substantial evidence in the record to show Mead had constructive possession of the methamphetamine, marijuana, and firearm. Also, the district court did not abuse its discretion in sentencing Mead. We affirm his convictions and sentences.
Case No. 22-2082: State of Iowa v. William Vernale Stephenson
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Monica Zrinyi Ackley, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Buller, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Gamble, S.J. (12 pages)
William Stephenson appeals his convictions for sexual abuse in the second degree and continuous sexual abuse of a child. OPINION HOLDS: Finding substantial evidence supports the verdicts and the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Stephenson’s motions for mistrial, we affirm.
Case No. 22-2104: Justin Michael Stickrod v. State of Iowa
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Monroe County, Myron Gookin, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (7 pages)
Justin Stickrod appeals the district court’s denial of his application for postconviction relief, arguing he received ineffective assistance of counsel when his trial lawyer failed to move for a mistrial after a prospective juror claimed Stickrod confessed and was guilty during voir dire. OPINION HOLDS: Because Stickrod has failed to establish prejudice, we affirm.
Case No. 22-2107: Logan Jeffrey Shoemaker v. State of Iowa
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Patrick A. McElyea, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (18 pages)
An applicant appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find that trial counsel was not required to bring meritless motions for a change of venue or judgment of acquittal, object to evidence that was inextricably linked with other admissible evidence, or request jury instructions not supported by caselaw, we affirm the postconviction-relief court’s denial of his application.
Case No. 23-0207: Ambrashia Marie Chrzan v. State of Iowa
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Washington County, Joel D. Yates, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (11 pages)
Ambrashia Chrzan appeals the district court’s denial of her application for postconviction relief. On appeal, she argues her trial counsel was ineffective because he failed to (1) move for a court-appointed expert medical witness; (2) object to or prevent introduction of prior bad acts evidence that she used drugs while pregnant; (3) investigate and present family members as witnesses to her parenting abilities; and (4) move for a change of venue. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, finding upon our de novo review of the record that Chrzan failed to meet her burden to prove that trial counsel was ineffective.
Case No. 23-0230: In re Marriage of Edwards
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dallas County, Terry Rickers, Judge. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (12 pages)
A husband appeals the spousal support and valuation of a checking account in the decree dissolving his marriage. The other spouse defends the decree and requests appellate attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the decree as modified and decline to award appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-0293: Nicholas Dean Freitag v. State of Iowa
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Cerro Gordo County, Rustin Davenport, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (10 pages)
An applicant appeals a district court ruling denying his applications for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the district court’s ruling, concluding that it properly denied the applicant’s claims of ineffective assistance of counsel.
Case No. 23-0350: In re the Marriage of Nye
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Lee (North) County, John M. Wright, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Badding and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (7 pages)
Lonnie Nye appeals the district court’s denial of his petition to modify the parties’ dissolution decree, claiming his disability payments through his pension are spousal support subject to modification. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm.
Case No. 23-0390: State of Iowa v. Raymond Leo Showers
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Des Moines County, Michael J. Schilling, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (14 pages)
Raymond Showers appeals his conviction for third-degree sexual abuse, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence supporting the conviction. OPINION HOLDS: We find that there was sufficient evidence for the jury to find that the defendant performed a sex act with the victim against her force of will, and we affirm.
Case No. 23-0494: South Construction and Insulation, LLC v. Iowa Workforce Development
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Bremer County, Rustin Davenport, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (14 pages)
A limited liability company (LLC) challenges the dismissal of its petition for judicial review. OPINION HOLDS: Because the statute at issue here—Iowa Code section 96.1A (2022)—defines wages, we are bound by its definition. Its definition includes all remuneration received by a member of the LLC unless proportional to membership interest. Thus, Iowa Workforce Development’s (IWD)’s determination that only the amount of remuneration one member received beyond that of the other member was wages is a correct interpretation of a provision of law, with justification, and required by law. The calculation that IWD used to determine the amount of that remuneration that is wages was reasonable and correct. We affirm the court’s dismissal of the LLC’s petition for judicial review.
Case No. 23-0612: Duke Carter v. Mike Fricke and Laura Fricke
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Monroe County, Crystal S. Cronk, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (10 pages)
Duke Carter appeals the district court’s ruling in a quiet-title action rejecting his claim of ownership of a disputed parcel of land by adverse possession. OPINION HOLDS: Assuming Carter eventually did act as owner of the disputed land, we cannot find proof of ten straight years of qualifying conduct. Nor do we find most of Carter’s use to be hostile, as the prior owners permitted Carter to store items on the lot, and Carter has failed to show any act or event that ripened his possession from permissive to hostile. And so, because the law favors regular title and Carter has not shown clear and positive proof of hostile, continuous possession of Lot 3, we affirm the district court’s rejection of his adverse-possession claim.
Case No. 23-0623: State of Iowa v. Mark David Russell
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Webster County, Angela L. Doyle, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Tabor, Greer, Schumacher, and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (9 pages)
The defendant appeals his conviction for first-degree murder. OPINION HOLDS: The State presented substantial evidence that Russell did not act in self-defense because he instigated the physical altercation, escalated it, and continued it after disarming the victim. We affirm.
Case No. 23-0711: Janet Walker and Linda Martens v. Marlin Daniels, Glenn Daniels, and David Daniels, each in their capacity as Co-Executors of the Estate of Lucille Daniels, Deceased, and individually, Estate of Lucille Daniels, and Daniels, Inc.
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Lyon County, Charles Borth, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (16 pages)
A family farming corporation—Daniels, Inc.—and its majority shareholders—three brothers and the estate of their mother—appeal the district court’s determination of the fair value of their sisters’ shares in Daniels, Inc. after it elected to buy the shares to avoid corporate dissolution under Iowa Code section 490.1434 (2021). They argue the district court used the wrong valuation date and failed to discount the valuation for potential tax consequences and transaction costs. OPINION HOLDS: The plain text of section 490.1434(4) presumptively sets the valuation date as the day before the sisters filed their amended petition first asserting a dissolution claim—not the day before their original petition seeking damages for common law minority-shareholder oppression. And since a sale of the farming corporation’s assets was not imminent—or even expected ever—it was proper not to discount the corporation’s fair value for hypothetical taxes or transaction costs. We thus affirm the district court's fair-value determination of the sisters’ shares.
Case No. 23-0786: State of Iowa v. Isaiah Cecil Hakeem Duffield
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Fayette County, Richard D. Stochl, Judge. SENTENCE VACATED IN PART AND REMANDED FOR RESENTENCING. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (5 pages)
Isaiah Duffield appeals the sentence imposed following his guilty plea. OPINION HOLDS: Because Duffield cannot establish the district court committed any legal error or abused its discretion when selecting the amount of the fine, we do not disturb the fine imposed. But because the district court did not provide any reasoning for imposing the sentence in this case consecutively to a sentence in a separate case, we must remand for resentencing as to whether the sentence should run consecutively to the other sentence. Resentencing is to be before a different judge.
Case No. 23-0812: Walter James Mead v. State of Iowa
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, James N. Daane, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Badding, J., and Blane, S.J. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (6 pages)
Walter Mead appeals the dismissal of his application for postconviction relief (PCR). OPINION HOLDS: Because Mead’s PCR application was filed more than three years after his conviction was final and he asserted no ground of fact material to his substantive claim that could not have been presented within the three-year time frame, see Iowa Code § 822.3 (2022), we affirm.
Case No. 23-0826: Katie Venechuk n/k/a Katie Vandewalker v. Gary A. Landherr
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Worth County, Blake H. Norman, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. Dissent by Langholz, J. (17 pages)
A parent appeals the district court’s denial of her petition to modify her custody decree to allow her child to switch schools. OPINION HOLDS: Because the mother did not seek modification to receive sole legal custody, we affirm. DISSENT ASSERTS: I do not read In re Marriage of Frazier, 1 N.W.3d 775 (Iowa 2024), to remove a court’s authority to modify a school-district-setting provision in an order or decree when a party shows a material change in circumstances and the modification is in the child’s best interest. And applying that proper standard here, I would reverse the district court’s denial of the modification request because the move to Riceville and enrollment of a half-sister in the Riceville school district is a material change in circumstances and attending the local school, with her half-sisters, less than two minutes away—rather than a twenty-five-minute car ride or an hour-plus car-and-bus trip to St. Ansgar—is in the daughter’s best interest.
Case No. 23-0865: State of Iowa v. Dallas Dean Hoffman
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Boone County, John R. Flynn, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (5 pages)
Dallas Hoffman appeals his convictions after a jury found him guilty of four counts of second-degree sexual abuse. OPINION HOLDS: Because substantial evidence supports the jury’s verdicts, we affirm Hoffman’s convictions.
Case No. 23-0925: State of Iowa v. Terry Dean Erickson
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Michael D. Huppert, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (5 pages)
A defendant appeals his sentence. He argues the court improperly considered only the nature of the offense in determining the sentence. OPINION HOLDS: We determine no abuse of discretion by the district court and affirm.
Case No. 23-0958: Marabelle Ann ‘Le’ Abbas; Marabelle Abbas Trust; Matthew Abbas; Harland Duane Abbas Trust; Patricia F. Hanson; Patricia Hanson; Ten-K Farms, Inc; Bruce C. Reid; Lynette Meyer and Roy and Neva Stover Trust v. Franklin County Board of Supervisors, Mike Nolte, Gary McVicker, and Chris Vanness as trustees of Drainage District Number 28,
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Franklin County, Rustin Davenport, Judge. APPEAL AFFIRMED IN PART, VACATED IN PART, AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS; CROSS-APPEAL AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (11 pages)
Plaintiffs appeal and defendants cross-appeal the award of damages to plaintiffs following repairs to a drainage ditch, raising issues related to the existence of an easement, damages, and the conveyance of property. OPINION HOLDS: Because the defendants did not abandon the easement and the district court’s award of damages fell within the permissible range of evidence and was not overly speculative, we affirm the appeal in part and affirm the cross-appeal. We vacate and remand with directions on the property-conveyance issue.
Case No. 23-1040: Bobby Joe Morris v. State of Iowa
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Scott D. Rosenberg, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Schumacher and Ahlers, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (7 pages)
An applicant appeals the dismissal of his application for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: The applicant’s illegal sentence claim was litigated in a prior postconviction relief action, and his claim of actual innocence is barred by the statute of limitations. Accordingly, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1067: State of Iowa v. David Ralph Latham
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, David Cox, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (5 pages)
Defendant challenges his sentence, arguing an abuse of discretion by the district court. OPINION HOLDS: We determine no abuse of discretion by the district court and affirm.
Case No. 23-1080: Macy Alexander Worth v. Matthew Noel Geinitz
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dickinson County, Shane Mayer, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (7 pages)
A mother appeals the physical-care determination made in a custodial decree, which placed physical care of her children with the children’s father. The father requests appellate attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: On our review of the record and deferring to the district court’s credibility findings, we conclude that the children’s interests are best served by placing their physical care with their father. We affirm the district court’s physical-care determination. We do not award the father appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-1106: State of Iowa v. Alexander Isaiah Knight
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Warren County, Mark F. Schlenker, Judge. SENTENCES VACATED AND REMANDED FOR RESENTENCING. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Schumacher, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Danilson, S.J. (6 pages)
Alexander Knight appeals his sentences following his convictions for assault causing bodily injury and operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent. OPINON HOLDS: Because the district court considered an impermissible sentencing factor, we must vacate Knight’s sentences and remand for resentencing before a different judge.
Case No. 23-1513: Mitch Robeoltman and Sabrina Risley v. Timothy Hartkopp
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Hardin County, Amy M. Moore, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Buller, P.J., Langholz, J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Carr, S.J. (8 pages)
The plaintiffs appeal the denial and dismissal of their claims of breach of implied warranty of workmanlike construction and failure to disclose defects against the seller of a house. OPINION HOLDS: Because the seller was not a buyer-vendor, the implied warranty of workmanlike construction is inapplicable here. Likewise, because there was no evidence that the seller had actual knowledge of any defects and failed to disclose them, that claim also does not provide relief. We affirm.
Case No. 24-0191: In the Interest of A.W., J.B., and K.W., Minor Children
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Joan M. Black, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (11 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her three children. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm.
Case No. 24-0230: In the Interest of A.W., Minor Child
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Cerro Gordo County, Adam Sauer, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Tabor and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (9 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her children, claiming the State failed to prove the ground for termination cited by the juvenile court, termination is not in the child’s best interests, a six-month extension would eliminate the ground for termination, and the court should apply a permissive exception to preclude termination. OPINION HOLDS: Upon review, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0233: In the Interest of M.D., Minor Child
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Cynthia S. Finley, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Potterfield, S.J. (6 pages)
Following the mother’s short-term mental-health committal for stimulant-induced psychosis, the juvenile court ordered the removal of the mother’s child, M.D., from her custody and later adjudicated M.D. in need of assistance pursuant to Iowa Code section 232.96A(3)(a), (3)(b), and (14) (2023). The mother challenges M.D.’s initial removal and whether the State proved the grounds for adjudication. OPINION HOLDS: Because any deficiencies in the removal proceedings were rendered moot by the entry of a subsequent dispositional order, we do not consider the mother’s challenge of that issue. We affirm adjudication of M.D. on all three grounds.
Case No. 24-0253: In the Interest of D.F., Minor Child
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Humboldt County, Hans Becker, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (4 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. She argues termination is not in the child’s best interests and the court should have applied a permissive exception to preclude termination. OPINION HOLDS: Termination is in the child’s best interests, and we decline to apply a permissive exception to termination.
Case No. 24-0355: In the Interest of I.T., Minor Child
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Appanoose County, Richelle Mahaffey, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (9 pages)
A mother appeals the district court order terminating her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: We find the termination of the mother’s parental rights is supported by clear and convincing evidence, termination is in the child’s best interests, and an exception to termination should not be applied. We affirm the decision of the district court.
Case No. 24-0411: In the Interest of R.C., L.C., and M.M., Minor Children
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Carrie K. Bryner, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (11 pages)
A mother and father separately appeal the termination of their parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: The mother did not preserve error on her reasonable efforts challenge or her argument that the juvenile court should have considered terminating her rights to only one or two of the children rather than all three. The State presented clear and convincing evidence to support the statutory ground for termination of the father’s rights, and termination of his parental rights was in the children’s best interests. For these reasons, we affirm on both appeals.
Case No. 24-0456: In the Interest of A.C., Minor Child
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Carrie K. Bryner, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (6 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her six-year-old son, A.C. OPINION HOLDS: The State proved grounds for termination by clear and convincing evidence, and termination is in A.C.’s best interests, so we affirm.
Case No. 24-0495: In the Interest of L.G., Minor Child
Filed May 22, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marion County, Steven Guiter, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (10 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her child. OPINION HOLDS: Clear and convincing evidence supports terminating the mother’s parental rights under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(h) (2024). Because granting the mother additional time will not change the need for the child’s removal and termination is in the child’s best interests, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1523: In re Estate of Clegg
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Washington County, Shawn Showers, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (11 pages)
The plaintiffs in a will contest appeal the orders directing the clerk of court to hold funds subject to an attorney’s lien until ownership is determined. OPINION HOLDS: Because ownership of the funds is disputed, the court did not abuse its discretion by ordering the clerk of court to hold the funds in trust pending a legal determination of ownership or a valid release of the attorney’s lien.
Case No. 22-1711: State of Iowa v. Mark Todd Fishler
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Monica Zrinyi Ackley, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (12 pages)
Mark Fishler appeals his conviction for first-degree murder. OPINION HOLDS: Fishler failed to preserve error on his Brady claim. Because substantial evidence supports his conviction, juror bias did not deprive him of a fair trial by an impartial jury, and the greater weight of the credible evidence supports the jury’s verdict, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1832: State of Iowa v. Sharon Kay Collins
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Boone County, Stephen A. Owen, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Buller, J., and Mullins, S.J. Opinion by Mullins, S.J. (11 pages)
Sharon Collins appeals her convictions on two counts of child endangerment and the sentences imposed. As to the convictions, she argues the evidence was insufficient to support one of the alternative theories for guilt. In relation to this challenge, she argues the savings statute for general verdicts—Iowa Code section 814.28 (2021)—is unconstitutional, and she is therefore entitled to a new trial. As to the sentences, Sharon argues the “court impermissibly considered the [presentence investigation report’s] references to [her] difficulties with problem solving and decision-making as aggravating rather than mitigating factors.” OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the convictions as supported by substantial evidence. As a result, we need not address the challenge to the constitutionality of Iowa Code section 814.28. Finding no abuse of discretion in sentencing, we affirm the sentences imposed.
Case No. 22-1870: Michael William Walker McPeek Jr. v. State of Iowa
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, Amy M. Moore, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Vogel, S.J. (8 pages)
Michael McPeek Jr. appeals from the denial of his application for postconviction relief, arguing he was deprived of effective assistance of counsel. OPINION HOLDS: Because McPeek’s trial counsel did not breach any essential duty, nor was McPeek prejudiced by appellate counsel’s form-of-review error, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1953: In re Estate of Clegg
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Washington County, Shawn Showers, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED. Heard by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (5 pages)
The plaintiffs in a will contest appeal the order approving the executor’s final report and closing the estate. OPINION HOLDS: Because the claims the plaintiffs raise on appeal concern an earlier order of the probate court that was not appealed, we dismiss for lack of jurisdiction.
Case No. 22-1958: State of Iowa v. Douglas Arthur Hagenow
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Cerro Gordo County, DeDra Schroeder, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (23 pages)
Douglas Arthur Hagenow appeals his convictions for sexual abuse, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence supporting the convictions and contending the district court abused its discretion when ruling on his pretrial motions. OPINION HOLDS: Because there is sufficient evidence for the convictions and the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying the motions, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1988: State of Iowa v. Milton Andrew Bokemeyer
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Buchanan County, Joel Dalrymple, Judge. CONVICTIONS AFFIRMED IN PART AND REVERSED IN PART, SENTENCES AND REMANDED FOR RESENTENCING. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. Partial dissent by Buller, J. (24 pages)
Milton Bokemeyer appeals his convictions and sentences for drug and firearm offenses, claiming the State presented insufficient evidence that he possessed psilocybin, failed to affix drug tax stamps, or possessed a firearm. Bokemeyer alternatively claims that the evidence only supports one conviction for possessing a firearm in violation of Iowa Code section 724.26 (2021). OPINION HOLDS: Because we find there was insufficient evidence to support Bokemeyer’s convictions for possession of psilocybin and failure to affix dug tax stamps, we reverse these convictions. Additionally, while we find sufficient evidence that Bokemeyer possessed a firearm, we agree that he could properly be convicted of only one violation of section 724.26, so we reverse one of his convictions under that statute. This leaves Bokemeyer with convictions for possession of methamphetamine, manufacturing marijuana while in possession of a firearm, and one count of possession of a firearm under section 724.26. Because the district court imposed consecutive sentences on two of Bokemeyer’s convictions—one of which we have reversed—we vacate the sentences on the remaining convictions and remand for resentencing. PARTIAL DISSENT ASSERTS: I dissent in part because the video and photo evidence was sufficient to prove a tax-stamp violation for the methamphetamine. I also disagree with the majority’s reliance on what I consider outdated and wrongly decided unpublished cases.
Case No. 22-2002: State of Iowa v. Dennis Wayne Ruppe
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Gregory W. Steensland, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Carr, S.J. (6 pages)
Dennis Ruppe appeals his convictions for attempted murder, willful injury causing serious injury, assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, and criminal mischief. OPINION HOLDS: We do not address Ruppe’s claim he received ineffective assistance of counsel while the court was polling the jury, as we do not address claims of ineffective assistance in a direct appeal. Ruppe did not file a pretrial objection to the venue and this issue is therefore waived. The district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Ruppe’s motion for a new trial. We affirm Ruppe’s convictions.
Case No. 22-2033: State of Iowa v. Dean Edward Hilpipre
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Hardin County, Amy M. Moore, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Schumacher, J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Carr, S.J. (9 pages)
The defendant appeals his convictions for second-degree sexual abuse, lascivious acts with a minor, and third-degree sexual abuse. OPINION HOLDS: Because the State’s expert witness did not impermissibly vouch for the credibility of the child victim and there was substantial evidence presented to support the convictions, we affirm.
Case No. 22-2048: Fatima E. Belhak and Abdellatif Elfila v. Denice Smith, M.D., and Women’s Care Specialists, P.C.
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Jeffrey D. Bert, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Badding and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (17 pages)
Denice Smith and her employer appeal from a medical malpractice verdict against them arising from her care of Fatima Belhak following an episiotomy performed during the birth of Belhak’s first child. Smith seeks a new trial because of insufficient evidence of causation for one of the three specifications of negligence submitted to the jury and because of attorney misconduct during closing arguments and the rest of the trial. OPINION HOLDS: Because Belhak’s expert witness did not testify that the size of suture was more likely than not a cause of Belhak’s injury, the suture specification should not have been submitted to the jury. And Smith properly preserved error on this issue by moving for a directed verdict and raising it again in her posttrial motion for a new trial. It matters not that she agreed to the jury instruction. Smith is thus entitled to a new trial on this basis alone, and we need not address whether the conduct of Belhak’s counsel would also warrant a new trial.
Case No. 23-0005: John Feller v. State of Iowa
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Michael J. Shubatt, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Schumacher, J., and Blane, S.J. Opinion by Blane, S.J. (15 pages)
John Feller appeals the denial of his application to modify sex offender registry requirements. OPINION HOLDS: Although it is a difficult case, substantial evidence supports the district court’s decision that Feller’s risk of reoffense and the interests of public safety require that he continue placement on the registry at this time. So we find no abuse of discretion and affirm.
Case No. 23-0236: Fox Prairie Investors, LLC, Fox Prairie Plaza South Building Owners Association, Fox Prairie North Building Owners Association v. Walters Companies, Inc.
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, David Nelmark, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (17 pages)
Some owners of the Fox Prairie Plaza appeal the district court’s grant of summary judgment dismissing their breach-of-contract suit against Walters Companies, Inc.—the original developer and general contractor that built the Fox Prairie Plaza—under an assignment of a construction contract that Walters allegedly made with itself. OPINION HOLDS: Because the owners presented no evidence from which a jury could find that they obtained a valid assignment of a right to sue Walters under Walters’s alleged contract with itself, their breach-of-contract claim fails.
Case No. 23-0247: Damion John Seats v. State of Iowa
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Cerro Gordo County, James M. Drew, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (4 pages)
An applicant appeals the denial of postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: Finding trial counsel did not render ineffective assistance, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0365: State of Iowa v. Christy Ann Gainvors
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Casey D. Jones, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Badding, J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Carr, S.J. (5 pages)
Christy Gainvors failed to pay the outstanding balance on her charge account, which she allegedly opened and charged at her prior place of employment without proper authorization. A jury convicted Gainvors of theft in the third degree. She now appeals her conviction, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence. OPINION HOLDS: Finding the verdict is supported by substantial evidence, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0384: State of Iowa v. Trivansky Tyrique Swington
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Brook Jacobsen, Judge. AFFIRMED AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. Dissent by Buller, J. (5 pages)
A defendant appeals his sentence for assault causing bodily injury. OPINION HOLDS: Finding that the district court sentenced the defendant according to his plea agreement but included the wrong assault title and code section in the judgment order, we affirm the conviction and remand for the district court to amend the judgment to reflect the correct offense. DISSENT ASSERTS: Because the elected branches did not intend for us to find “good cause” to correct typos, I dissent.
Case No. 23-0402: Emerson Dennis Saul v. Seaboard Triumph Foods, L.L.C.
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Roger L. Sailer, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Badding and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (16 pages)
Emerson Saul was injured at a Seaboard Triumph Foods, LLC pork processing plant, where he was a temporary employee, while employed by a staffing agency. He appeals the district court’s grant of summary judgment to Seaboard Triumph, dismissing his negligence lawsuit over his workplace injury after holding that Seaboard Triumph was also his employer. OPINION HOLDS: Seaboard Triumph presented strong evidence supporting its motion for summary judgment from which a factfinder could conclude that it was Saul’s second employer. But we cannot say that this is the only reasonable conclusion a factfinder could reach from the evidence—especially given that Seaboard Triumph’s human resources manager testified that Saul was not Seaboard Triumph’s employee. The district court thus erred in granting summary judgment.
Case No. 23-0407: Curtis Cortez Jones v. State of Iowa
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Paul D. Miller, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (5 pages)
Curtis Jones appeals the summary disposition of his application for postconviction relief. He argues that his trial counsel was ineffective when arguing against a motion to strike a potential juror for cause and appellate counsel was ineffective for failing to raise the issue. OPINION HOLDS: Because the potential juror had a felony conviction, under the Iowa Rules of Criminal Procedure in effect at the time of trial, the district court was required to grant the motion to strike for cause. Trial and appellate counsel did not provide ineffective assistance. Summary disposition of the application for postconviction relief was properly granted.
Case No. 23-0458: Beverage v. ALCOA, Inc
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Patrick A. McElyea, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS. Heard by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. Special Concurrence by Greer, P.J. (28 pages)
A deceased independent contractor and his family challenge the grant of summary judgment for a land possessor in a premises-liability action. OPINION HOLDS: Because the district court applied the incorrect duty of care and we do not modify the duty of care of land possessors, we reverse and remand with directions to apply the correct duty of care owed by land possessors to entrants. SPECIAL CONCURRENCE ASSERTS: I agree with the majority that this case should be remanded for further consideration but disagree over what we should direct the district court to do. In my opinion, the court must revisit Alcoa, Inc.’s (Alcoa) potential liability under both the land possessor-entrant theory and the employer-independent contractor theory without separating the two—as Charles Beverage was both an entrant and the employee of Alcoa’s independent contractor at the same time.
Case No. 23-0459: Aspire of Pleasant Valley v. Creighton
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Tom Reidel, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED. Heard by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, P.J. (8 pages)
Aspire of Pleasant Valley appeals the district court’s order dismissing its claim against an agent under her mother’s power of attorney. OPINION HOLDS: Because the person named as agent in the power of attorney does not and cannot serve as agent any longer, the issue whether an agent can be sued in the agent’s representative capacity is now moot. As neither the voluntary-cessation or public-importance exceptions to the mootness doctrine apply, we dismiss the appeal.
Case No. 23-0650: Daniel Ray Penticoff v. State of Iowa
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Kellyann M. Lekar, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Buller, J., takes no part. Opinion by Greer, J. (4 pages)
Daniel Penticoff appeals from the denial of his application for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: Penticoff cannot establish by clear and convincing evidence that no reasonable factfinder could find him guilty of first-degree robbery; we affirm.
Case No. 23-0796: Miltner Insurance Services, LLC v. Roberts
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Adams County, Brad McCall, Judge. AFFIRMED ON APPEAL; AFFIRMED AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS ON CROSS-APPEAL. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Badding and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (18 pages)
Parties appeal and cross-appeal the district court’s remand ruling on remedies in an employment-contract dispute. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm on the employee’s appeal, concluding she did not meet her burden to prove the liquidated-damages clause constituted a penalty and was therefore unenforceable. On the employer’s cross-appeal, we find the affirmative-defense and burden-shifting argument was not preserved and substantial evidence supports the court’s conclusion on the amount of damages. We affirm and remand the issue of appellate attorney fees to the district court, to be considered with its determination of trial attorney fees.
Case No. 23-0856: State of Iowa v. Justin Raymond Mann
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Lucas County, Elisabeth Reynoldson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (4 pages)
A criminal defendant appeals his conviction, challenging denial of his motion to suppress. OPINION HOLDS: Because the traffic stop was supported by probable cause and reasonable suspicion, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0973: State of Iowa v. John Robert West
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Muscatine County, Henry W. Latham II, Judge. CONVICTIONS AFFIRMED AND SENTENCES VACATED IN PART. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (8 pages)
John West was convicted of third-degree sexual abuse, lascivious acts with a child, and false imprisonment. On appeal, he challenges the sufficiency of the evidence supporting the confinement element of his conviction for false imprisonment. Additionally, he challenges a portion of his sentences requiring him to complete sex offender treatment. OPINION HOLDS: Finding that the evidence was sufficient to convince a rational jury beyond a reasonable doubt that West confined the victim, we affirm his conviction for false imprisonment. And because we find that the district court exceeded its authority by ordering West to complete sex offender treatment, we vacate this part of his sentences.
Case No. 23-0983: Hard Rappen Ranch, LLC v. Corey L. Bosma
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Osceola County, Carl J. Petersen, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Langholz, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Langholz, J. (8 pages)
Plaintiff Hard Rappen Ranch, LLC, appeals the dismissal of his suit with prejudice after he repeatedly failed to pay the defendant’s venue-change attorney fees ordered under Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.808. OPINION HOLDS: Considering Hard Rappen’s willful noncompliance—it offered no viable justification for its venue jockeying, nor any credible explanation for twice disregarding the court’s order—and affording due weight to the district court’s discretion, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1034: Reyes v. International Van Lines, Inc.
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Jasper County, Charles Sinnard, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (14 pages)
A moving company challenges a district court order granting plaintiff’s motion to substitute parties in a personal injury case. OPINION HOLDS: Because the right defendant had notice of the plaintiff’s misnomer from the start, we find the district court properly allowed him to amend his pleadings. Thus, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1091: State of Iowa v. Sam Sando
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Michael D. Huppert, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Badding, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Badding, J. (6 pages)
Sam Sando appeals the sentence imposed on his conviction following the revocation of his deferred judgment. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no affirmative showing of an abuse of discretion or defect in the sentencing procedure, we affirm the sentence imposed.
Case No. 23-1156: State of Iowa v. Louis Lee Cubbage, Jr.
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Jackson County, Meghan Corbin, Judge. SENTENCE VACATED AND REMANDED FOR RESENTENCING. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (7 pages)
Louis Cubbage appeals his sentence for willful injury causing bodily injury, arguing that the district court considered and relied on an improper sentencing factor when it stated that he “almost killed” his victim. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find that the district court improperly considered unproven activity that was unsupported by the record when it stated Cubbage “almost killed” his victim, we vacate his sentence and remand for resentencing in front of a different judge.
Case No. 23-1166: State of Iowa v. Mohammed Baduruddin Hussain
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Thomas A. Bitter, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Schumacher, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Doyle, S.J. (6 pages)
Mohammed Baduruddin Hussain appeals his sentences after pleading guilty to two counts of third-degree sexual abuse. OPINION HOLDS: The court did not rely on an impermissible sentencing factor by considering the need for punishment. Because the court acted within its discretion when it imposed consecutive sentences, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1181: State of Iowa v. Louis Lee Cubbage, Jr.
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Jackson County, Meghan Corbin, Judge. SENTENCE VACATED AND REMANDED FOR RESENTENCING. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. Dissent by Buller, J. (8 pages)
Louis Cubbage appeals his sentence for driving while barred. OPINION HOLDS: We conclude that Cubbage’s sentence for driving while barred should be vacated and this case remanded for resentencing with a companion case in which he was sentenced for willful injury resulting in bodily injury. By imposing concurrent sentences, without much mention of the driving-while-barred conviction, we conclude the district court considered the sentences to be interconnected. We accordingly vacate the sentence for driving while barred without further opinion and remand for resentencing in front of a different judge. DISSENT ASSERTS: Because the majority decides an unbriefed issue, bypasses the supreme court’s denial of a motion to consolidate, and applies inapposite case law from combined sentencing appeals, I dissent.
Case No. 23-1240: In re the Marriage of Cowern
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Jeanie Vaudt, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (9 pages)
Read Cowern appeals from a district court order modifying the joint-physical-care provision of the decree dissolving his marriage with Brandis Cowern. He argues that rather than placing their children in Brandis’s physical care, the court should have placed them in his care or increased the amount of his visitation. OPINION HOLDS: Discord between the parents amounted to a substantial change in circumstances warranting modifying the physical-care provision of the decree. And placement with Brandis and the modified care schedule serves the best interests of the children by creating more stability for the children and reducing points of conflict between the parents. We also award Brandis appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-1322: State of Iowa v. Tyler Michael Fontanini
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Hancock County, Karen Kaufman Salic, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (6 pages)
Tyler Michael Fontanini appeals the sentences imposed by the district court after pleading guilty, contending that the sentencing court abused its discretion by failing to consider certain mitigating factors. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find no abuse of discretion, we affirm the sentences.
Case No. 23-1423: Nordstrom, Inc. v. Pamela Carmer f/k/a Pamela Hyde
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Heather L. Lauber, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND REMANDED WITH INSTRUCTIONS. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Badding and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (12 pages)
Nordstrom, Inc. appeals the district court’s order affirming the decision of the workers’ compensation commissioner awarding industrial disability benefits to Pamela Carmer for injuries to Carmer’s shoulders. OPINION HOLDS: Upon review, we affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand with instructions.
Case No. 24-0102: In the Interest of R.N., B.N., and J.N., Minor Children
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Cerro Gordo County, Adam D. Sauer, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (7 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights to three children, claiming the State failed to prove the grounds for termination cited by the juvenile court, termination is not in the children’s best interests, a six-month extension would eliminate the grounds for termination, and the court should apply a permissive exception to preclude termination. OPINION HOLDS: Upon review, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0111: In the Interest of F.W., Minor Child
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Ringgold County, Monty Franklin, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (13 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights, challenging the grounds for termination and arguing termination is not in the child’s best interests, the State did not provide reasonable efforts towards reunification, a permissive exception to termination should have been applied, and the court should have given him another six months for reunification. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm. SPECIAL CONCURRENCE ASSERTS: I disagree that the juvenile court’s termination of the father’s parental rights under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(b) (2023) allows us to avoid addressing his reasonable-efforts argument. Although we often state reasonable efforts are not a “strict substantive requirement of termination,” In re C.B., 611 N.W.2d 489, 493 (Iowa 2000), once the juvenile court transfers custody of a child to the department of health and human services, the department must make reasonable efforts to return the child safely home unless the court waives that requirement. Iowa Code § 232.102(4)(b). In my view, it is time for our supreme court to clarify the “strict substantive requirement” reference in C.B. and correct our court’s practice of snubbing reasonable-efforts claims in cases where the juvenile court terminates based on paragraph (b). I would address the father’s reasonable efforts challenge and find that his request was untimely. So I concur on the ultimate result.
Case No. 24-0231: In the Interest of Y.G. and D.G., Minor Children
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Romonda Belcher, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (6 pages)
The mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her two children. OPINION HOLDS: The mother did not challenge termination under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(f) (2023), so we summarily conclude there is clear and convincing evidence for termination under that section. Termination is in the children’s best interests because of the mother’s inability to provide these children with safety and a permanent home. The permissive exception in section 232.116(3)(a) is inapplicable because the children are not in the legal custody of a relative, and we do not find that the need for termination will no longer exist in six months. We affirm.
Case No. 24-0232: In the Interest of A.D., Minor Child
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Grundy County, Daniel L. Block, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. Partial Dissent by Buller, J. (21 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights raising six distinct arguments. OPINION HOLDS: We find the father’s arguments meritorious in three respects. First, we agree that the guardian ad litem’s reports did not comply with statutory requirements and cannot be relied on to support the termination order. Second, we find the father was making sufficient progress in the case to warrant an extension of six months to work toward reunification. Third, we find the department should have performed additional drug testing to determine whether the father’s mental-health medications were giving false positive results as part of its obligation to make reasonable efforts toward reunifying the family. So we reverse the termination order and remand for further proceedings. PARTIAL DISSENT ASSERTS: Because I would find error was not preserved on the guardian ad litem issue and I believe the majority’s remedy suggestion carries negative consequences contrary to legislative intent, I dissent in part.
Case No. 24-0431: In the Interest of L.L., B.L., and K.L., Minor Children
Filed May 08, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Jasper County, Steven J. Holwerda, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (8 pages)
Parents separately appeal the termination of their parental rights, the mother to three children and the father to one child. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the termination of both parents’ rights.
Case No. 22-0071: State of Iowa v. Reginald Demorrow Little
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Lars G. Anderson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Greer, J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Carr, S.J. (11 pages)
Reginald Little appeals his conviction for first-degree murder under a theory of felony murder, with the underlying felony being first-degree robbery. OPINION HOLDS: We find there is substantial evidence in the record to show first-degree robbery was committed by another person and Little aided and abetted, or engaged in joint criminal conduct, with this person. We also find the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Little’s motion for a new trial. We affirm Little’s conviction.
Case No. 22-0861: State of Iowa v. Lamont Lloyd
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, John D. Telleen, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (11 pages)
Lamont Llyod appeals his conviction for domestic abuse assault, third or subsequent offense, challenging the district court’s denial of his motions in limine and for mistrial. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review we affirm.
Case No. 22-1110: State of Iowa v. Chris William Kelly, Jr.
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Deborah Farmer Minot, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (9 pages)
A defendant challenges the denial of his motion for a new trial on weight-of-the-evidence grounds. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no abuse of discretion in the denial of the new-trial motion, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1364: State of Iowa v. Alexis Stephan Kuberski
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, David Porter, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (4 pages)
A criminal defendant appeals his convictions for assault causing bodily injury and criminal mischief in the fourth degree, claiming the State presented insufficient evidence of his specific intent for each offense. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm.
Case No. 22-1666: State of Iowa v. Alvonni Jante Stone
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Kellyann M. Lekar, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Badding, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Danilson, S.J. (6 pages)
Alvonni Stone appeals his convictions for first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence. OPINION HOLDS: Stone’s convictions are supported by sufficient evidence.
Case No. 22-1674: State of Iowa v. D'iona Asia Marie Wilson-Bass
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Andrea J. Dryer, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Badding, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Danilson, S.J. (6 pages)
D’iona Wilson-Bass appeals the revocation of her deferred judgment and the sentence imposed. She claims the court incorrectly believed it was adjudicating multiple allegations of probation violations and abused its discretion by considering those prior violations at sentencing and failing to consider mitigating sentencing factors. OPINION HOLDS: The court understood what probation violations it was to adjudicate. The court properly considered Wilson-Bass’s prior violations when adjudicating the most recent report of violation because it informed the court what services had already been offered to Wilson-Bass and had been unsuccessful. The court did not abuse its discretion when it revoked Wilson-Bass’s deferred judgment following her violation of the terms of her probation. The court also did not abuse its discretion when it considered her history of probation violations when imposing sentencing, and it adequately explained why it selected the chosen sentence.
Case No. 22-1793: Siobhan Nicole Foster v. State of Iowa
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Jasper County, Stacy Ritchie, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (6 pages)
Siobhan Foster appeals the district court’s denial of her application for postconviction relief. She claims there was not a sufficient factual basis for her guilty plea and her trial counsel was ineffective in failing to file a motion in arrest of judgment. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0084: State of Iowa v. Tyrell Jarule Gaston
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, David M. Cox, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (3 pages)
A defendant appeals his criminal convictions, contending the prior testimony of an unavailable witness was improperly admitted in violation of his Sixth Amendment right to confrontation. OPINION HOLDS: We agree with the State that the defendant failed to preserve error and affirm.
Case No. 23-0087: State of Iowa v. Nicolas Ross Heims
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Muscatine County, Tom Reidel and Joel W. Barrows, Judges. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (19 pages)
Nicolas Heims appeals his convictions for sexual abuse in the third degree, assault causing bodily injury, willful injury causing bodily injury, and criminal mischief in the fourth degree. He argues his retrial after a mistrial violated his double-jeopardy rights, the court erred by allowing amendment to the trial information, insufficient evidence supports his conviction for criminal mischief, and he should have been granted a new trial on the charges of sexual abuse in the third degree, assault causing bodily injury, and willful injury causing bodily injury because the verdicts were against the weight of the evidence. OPINION HOLDS: Because the prosecutor did not intentionally goad Heims into moving for a mistrial, retrial did not violate his double-jeopardy rights. Heims waived any objection to the amendment to the trial information. His convictions are supported by sufficient evidence. The district court did not abuse its discretion in finding the weight of the evidence did not preponderate against the convictions for sexual abuse, assault causing bodily injury, and willful injury causing bodily injury. We affirm Heims’s convictions.
Case No. 23-0124: Jason Dwaine Tate v. State of Iowa
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Clinton County, Mark R. Lawson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (15 pages)
Jason Tate appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, finding Tate has not established that (1) he was prejudiced by trial counsel’s alleged failure to communicate a plea offer; (2) trial counsel breached an essential duty by failing to sever two of his charges; (3) he was prejudiced by the defense expert witness’s failure to examine the weapon used in the shooting; (4) he was prejudiced due to a juror being shown on television; (5) trial counsel had an actual conflict of interest; and (6) the cumulative effect of these errors resulted in prejudice.
Case No. 23-0161: State of Iowa v. Victoria Jo Dawdy
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Timothy T. Jarman, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (6 pages)
Following her conviction for operating while intoxicated, Victoria Dawdy appeals the denial of her motion to suppress, claiming the warrant authorizing a blood draw was not supported by probable cause in violation of the federal and state constitutions. OPINION HOLDS: The totality of the facts in the warrant application would allow a person of reasonable prudence to believe that Dawdy was operating while intoxicated. The issuing magistrate therefore had a substantial basis to conclude probable cause existed. We accordingly affirm the district court’s denial of Dawdy’s motion to suppress.
Case No. 23-0541: Akuk Atak Alem Akok v. State of Iowa
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, Amy M. Moore, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (7 pages)
Akuk Akok appeals the denial of his applications for postconviction relief, claiming his trial counsel were ineffective in two different cases. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm.
Case No. 23-0591: State of Iowa v. Preston Douglas Enlow
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Washington County, Shawn Showers, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (4 pages)
A defendant appeals his convictions for possession of methamphetamine and being a person ineligible to carry dangerous weapons, arguing his constitutional rights were violated because the so-called search of his vehicle was not supported by probable cause. OPINION HOLDS: Finding the defendant’s challenge to his convictions was not preserved, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0687: In re Trust of Uhl
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Patrick H. Tott, Judge. AFFIRMED AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS. Heard by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (14 pages)
Eric Hennings, in his official trustee and individual capacities, appeals the district court’s ruling denying his petition for authority to sell real estate belonging to the Herthel C. Uhl Revocable Trust to himself. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the district court’s denial of the petition for authority to sell real estate and remand with directions for the court to resolve the objecting beneficiaries’ request for appellate attorney fees and costs.
Case No. 23-0776: State of Iowa v. Aaron Gary Whittle
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Winneshiek County, Laura Parrish, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (10 pages)
Defendant appeals his conviction for second-degree murder, asserting the district court should not have admitted certain evidence. OPINION HOLDS: We conclude the district court did not abuse its discretion in admitting evidence of deceased cattle and farm equipment in disuse and disrepair. And even if the admission of the evidence were in error, such admission was harmless in the face of overwhelming evidence of the defendant’s guilt. We affirm.
Case No. 23-0859: State of Iowa v. Sylvester Lavelle Trotter
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, Steven P. Van Marel, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (10 pages)
A defendant appeals his convictions for operating while intoxicated, third offense, and interference with official acts causing bodily injury, challenging the denial of his motion in arrest of judgment. OPINION HOLDS: Because the record contains a factual basis to support Trotter’s guilty pleas and Trotter failed to present clear and convincing evidence of his actual innocence, the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying his motion in arrest of judgment. We affirm.
Case No. 23-0953: In the Interest of S.W., Minor Child
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Mark Cord, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., Langholz, J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Langholz, J. (6 pages)
A mother appeals from the denial of her petition to terminate the parental rights of her son’s father because she failed to prove abandonment. OPINION HOLDS: Given the relatively short period without contact and the medical condition that prevented the contact, we cannot say that the mother has met her heavy burden to prove abandonment by clear and convincing evidence.
Case No. 23-1031: State of Iowa v. Christopher Wayne Kackley
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Cerro Gordo County, Adam D. Sauer, Judge. SENTENCE VACATED AND REMANDED FOR RESENTENCING. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. Dissent by Buller, J. (9 pages)
Christopher Kackley appeals his sentence, arguing the district court gave no explanation for sending him to prison. OPINION HOLDS: The court’s omission prevents us from reviewing its exercise of discretion. Under Iowa Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.23(3)(d), we vacate the sentence and remand for resentencing. DISSENT ASSERTS: Because I would find the reasons for sentence in the written order were sufficient to permit appellate review and I am not convinced those written reasons were “boilerplate,” I dissent.
Case No. 23-1331: Marc Alan Ray v. State of Iowa
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dallas County, Michael Jacobsen, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (5 pages)
An applicant appeals the denial of postconviction relief, contending he was not adequately advised about a mandatory minimum and that counsel should have advocated differently at sentencing. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, rejecting the plea-advice claim on the merits and finding the sentencing challenge unpreserved.
Case No. 23-1457: Raymond John Miller v. State of Iowa
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Carroll County, Derek Johnson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (7 pages)
Raymond Miller appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief, raising claims of ineffective assistance of trial and postconviction counsel. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1884: In the Interest of K.W., S.W., C.W., and L.W., Minor Children
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Stephanie Forker Parry, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Carr, S.J. Schumacher, J., takes no part. Opinion by Carr, S.J. (8 pages)
A mother appeals the juvenile court decision terminating her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: We find the termination is supported by clear and convincing evidence and is in the children’s best interests. We affirm the decision of the juvenile court.
Case No. 23-1886: State of Iowa v. Justice Lee Hill
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Michael Motto, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (4 pages)
Justice Lee Hill challenges his convictions for animal abuse after pleading guilty. OPINION HOLDS: Because no good cause exists to hear Hill’s appeal and we decline to grant discretionary review, we lack jurisdiction and must dismiss.
Case No. 23-1916: In the Interest of A.V., A.V.-N., A.V., and S.C., Minor Children
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Shelby County, Charles D. Fagan, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (16 pages)
A mother and a father (J.C.) separately appeal the termination of their parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: Because after our de novo review of the record we conclude that a statutory ground for termination was met as to each child and the mother has waived her challenges to reasonable efforts and the best interests of the children, we affirm the termination of her parental rights. We also affirm the termination of J.C.’s parental rights to S.C., holding that a statutory ground for termination was proved by clear and convincing evidence, termination is in S.C.'s best interests, the department made reasonable efforts at reunification, and the strength of J.C.’s bond with S.C. does not overcome the advantage of termination.
Case No. 23-2121: In the Interest of A.G., Minor Child
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Adair County, Monty Franklin, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (6 pages).
A mother appeals the dispositional order in a child-in-need-of-assistance proceeding. OPINION HOLDS: Finding sufficient evidence was presented for the modification and that modification was in the best interest of the child, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0071: In the Interest of S.S., R.S., and S.S., Minor Children
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Linda M. Fangman, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (7 pages)
Parents separately appeal the termination of their parental rights to three children. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the termination of both parents’ parental rights.
Case No. 24-0284: In the Interest of K.B., Minor Child
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dallas County, Virginia Cobb, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (5 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. She challenges the statutory grounds, and she requests we apply a permissive exception to termination and establish a guardianship for the child. OPINION HOLDS: The State established a statutory ground authorizing termination. We decline to apply a permissive exception to termination or to establish a guardianship.
Case No. 24-0287: In the Interest of K.A., Minor Child
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Joan M. Black, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (6 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. She challenges the sufficiency of evidence supporting the grounds for termination and argues termination is contrary to the child’s best interests due to the closeness of the parent-child bond. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the termination of the mother’s parental rights.
Case No. 24-0327: In the Interest of O.K., N.K., and A.K., Minor Children
Filed Apr 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Susan Cox, Judge. AFFIRMED. on both appeals. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Schumacher, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (9 pages)
A father and a mother each appeal the termination of their parental rights. The father challenges the statutory grounds and argues that termination is not in the children’s best interests. The mother also raises a best-interests claim, invokes the exception for a child over ten who objects to termination, and lobbies for a guardianship. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no merit to the parents’ claims, we affirm the order in both appeals.
Case No. 21-1893: State of Iowa v. Thon Robin Bol
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Scott J. Beattie, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Tabor and Greer, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, J. (17 pages)
A defendant appeals his convictions for attempted murder, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, and willful injury causing serious injury. He contests the weight of the evidence supporting his convictions. He also renews his hearsay objections to the admission of his phone conversation with his sister and the recorded statements of the severed defendants. In another evidentiary challenge, he urges that the district court abused its discretion in allowing expert testimony from a police detective. Lastly, he argues the court abused its discretion in failing to remove a crying juror. OPINION HOLDS: After a careful review of the defendant’s claims, we find no grounds to grant a new trial and affirm.
Case No. 22-0499: Atiba A. Spellman v. State of Iowa
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, Amy M. Moore, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (8 pages)
Atiba Spellman appeals the grant of summary judgment and dismissal of his application for postconviction relief (PCR). Spellman contends the court should not have granted the State’s motion for summary judgment and dismiss his application for PCR and his PCR counsel was ineffective for failing to “timely depose trial counsel.” OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm.
Case No. 22-0908: State of Iowa v. Arnold Ray Toomer
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Kevin McKeever, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Greer, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Greer, J. (4 pages)
A defendant appeals the sentence imposed following his conviction for failure to register as a sex offender, second or subsequent offense. OPINION HOLDS: Because the sentence imposed by the district court was the product of the parties’ agreement, the court did not need to provide additional reasons for the sentence. We affirm.
Case No. 22-1448: State of Iowa v. Chad Alan Stechcon
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Ian K. Thornhill, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Buller, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Potterfield, S.J. (11 pages)
Stechcon appeals his convictions of willful injury causing bodily injury and false imprisonment, arguing (1) the district court should have granted his motion for mistrial after one of the State’s witnesses violated the court’s ruling on the motion in limine prohibiting witnesses from referencing that Stechcon had been in legal trouble before and “would spend seventeen more years locked up” and (2) the court erred in giving a jury instruction on general intent because it was not applicable to any of the charged offenses. OPINION HOLDS: The district court did not abuse its discretion in denying the motion for mistrial and any alleged error in providing the general-intent instruction was harmless. We affirm.
Case No. 22-1593: State of Iowa v. Tommy Gene Collins
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Boone County, Christopher C. Polking, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (8 pages)
Tommy Gene Collins appeals his convictions for sexual abuse in the second degree, sexual abuse in the third degree, and continuous sexual abuse of a child, arguing the district court improperly excluded evidence that he offered to be interviewed by law enforcement and that the district court should have required the State to provide specifics of the alleged acts supporting each charge. OPINION HOLDS: Because the district court did not abuse its discretion when it excluded evidence that Collins offered to be interviewed by law enforcement, Collins did not present an issue for our review regarding his request for specificity, and Collins received a fair trial, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1734: State of Iowa v. Tommy Quinn Jr.
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Christine Dalton, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (7 pages)
Tommy Quinn Jr. appeals his conviction of assault causing bodily injury, alleging his waiver of counsel was not knowing and intelligent as required under the Sixth Amendment. OPINION HOLDS: Because the court engaged in a meaningful colloquy with Quinn regarding his desire to waive counsel, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1847: In re The Marriage of Fichter
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, James S. Heckerman, Judge. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED ON APPEAL; AFFIRMED ON CROSS-APPEAL. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (14 pages)
Clinton Fichter appeals the economic provisions of the parties’ dissolution decree and Monica Fichter cross-appeals on the issue of spousal support. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the decree on the issues of property division, child support, and spousal support. We eliminate the requirement on future modifications by Clinton concerning his income. And we deny Monica’s request for appellate attorney fees. Accordingly, we affirm the appeal as modified and affirm on the cross-appeal.
Case No. 22-1864: State of Iowa v. John Michael Harker
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Kimberly K. Shepherd, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (8 pages)
The defendant challenges the admission of prior-bad-acts evidence in his trial for domestic abuse assault causing bodily injury. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no abuse of discretion in the district court’s admission of the prior-bad-acts evidence, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1997: Heather Lorraine Swanson v. State of Iowa
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Boone County, Bethany Currie, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (7 pages)
Heather Swanson appeals the district court’s denial of her application for postconviction relief, claiming her trial counsel was ineffective by failing to move for dismissal based on a speedy-indictment violation and by failing to pursue a claim of law enforcement bias. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm.
Case No. 22-2029: State of Iowa v. Caimere Dupree Gates
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Scott D. Rosenberg, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (6 pages)
Defendant appeals his conviction for first-degree murder, arguing the State failed to present sufficient evidence to show that he acted with malice aforethought. OPINION HOLDS: Because there was substantial evidence presented for a rational trier of fact to find beyond a reasonable doubt the defendant acted with malice aforethought, we affirm.
Case No. 22-2056: State of Iowa v. Raven Ann Marie Taylor
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, William P. Kelly, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Schumacher and Ahlers, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (5 pages)
A defendant appeals her sentence following her guilty plea. She claims the district court abused its discretion by failing to adequately consider mitigating sentencing factors. OPINION HOLDS: A review of the record reveals that the district court did consider the mitigating factors highlighted by the defendant. The district court thoroughly and thoughtfully considered and weighed relevant factors to arrive at a reasonable sentencing decision and did not abuse its discretion when doing so.
Case No. 23-0130: Troy Andrew Williams v. State of Iowa
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Mark Fowler, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Chicchelly, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Buller, J., takes no part. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (4 pages)
Troy Williams appeals the order granting summary dismissal of his second application for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: Because the Iowa Supreme Court affirmed the denial of Williams’s first PCR application on the merits, Williams is precluded from relitigating those claims here. His PCR counsel was not ineffective by failing to raise a meritless claim. We therefore affirm.
Case No. 23-0157: Keith Rath and Dennis Faltis v. Arch Insurance Company
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, David M. Cox, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., Langholz, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Langholz, J. Dissent by Schumacher, P.J. (28 pages)
Keith Rath and Dennis Faltis appeal the district court’s grant of summary judgment dismissing their breach-of-contract and related claims because it concluded that they are not intended third-party beneficiaries of a force-placed insurance policy issued by Arch Insurance Company to their bank. OPINION HOLDS: Because the insurance policy includes an endorsement increasing the coverage above the bank’s interest and giving plaintiffs a right to payment as a loss payee, the policy manifests an intent to benefit plaintiffs. They are thus third-party beneficiaries under the insurance contract, and the district court erred in dismissing their claims. DISSENT ASSERTS: The force-placed insurance policy does not name the borrower as an additional insured, expressly delineate that the policy covers the borrower’s interest in the insured property, or otherwise state that the borrower is a beneficiary of the lender’s coverage, including as that of a third-party beneficiary. Rather the policy states no coverage, directly or indirectly, is provided to the borrower. On this basis, the trial court properly granted summary judgment, which we should affirm. As we do not, I respectfully dissent.
Case No. 23-0289: Elisha Stokes v. Mario Murillo
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Jeffrey L. Larson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (10 pages)
Elisha Stokes appeals the district court’s grant of summary judgment dismissing a gross-negligence claim against his coworker, Mario Murillo. OPINION HOLDS: Stokes’s claim that Murillo’s operation of the rebar-cutting machine with the safety mechanism disabled fails because Stokes has shown no evidence from which a jury could find that Murillo knew that injury was probable rather than just possible from that operation. Stokes failed to preserve error on his other argument of gross negligence because it was not raised in, or decided by, the district court.
Case No. 23-0297: State of Iowa v. David Edward Myers
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Des Moines County, Jennifer S. Bailey, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (4 pages)
David Myers challenges the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his conviction for domestic abuse assault causing injury. OPINION HOLDS: To the extent Myers intends to raise evidentiary challenges, he has not sufficiently developed the arguments and failed to preserve them for our review. Myers’s conviction is supported by substantial evidence.
Case No. 23-0302: Gregory C. Thompson v. State of Iowa
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Sarah Crane, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Tabor, J., takes no part. Opinion by Buller, J. (5 pages)
An applicant appeals the denial of his third application for postconviction relief, asserting ineffective assistance in trial counsel’s handling of the victim’s mental-health records. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find trial counsel was not ineffective, we affirm the denial of postconviction relief.
Case No. 23-0431: Michael Duane Smith v. State of Iowa
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Stuart P. Werling, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (8 pages)
Michael Smith appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief. He asserts plea counsel provided ineffective assistance in two ways. First, he claims that counsel ignored his directive to withdraw the guilty pleas unless the sentencing court agreed to run all his sentences concurrently. Second, he argues that no factual basis existed for his plea to interference with official acts while displaying a dangerous weapon. OPINION HOLDS: Plea counsel’s account, which the postconviction court found credible, was that Smith did not request to withdraw his pleas. We decline to disturb that finding. And we find the facts support the crime and form a factual basis for Smith’s plea of guilty. Finding counsel did not fail in any professional duty, we do not address prejudice and affirm the denial of relief.
Case No. 23-0502: Deonte Dwight Williams v. State of Iowa
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Paul D. Scott, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (3 pages)
Deonte Williams appeals the order granting summary dismissal of his application for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: Because the face of Williams’s application shows it was untimely, the court did not err in granting summary dismissal. Because Williams did not challenge and the postconviction court did not rule on the constitutionality of Iowa Code section 822.3 (2022), error is not preserved and we do not address the claim on appeal.
Case No. 23-0515: State of Iowa v. Trenton Robert Brekke
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marshall County, Amy M. Moore, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (7 pages)
Trenton Brekke appeals his sentences and the modification of appeal bail conditions following entry of his Alford plea to multiple offences. OPINION HOLDS: The district court did not abuse its discretion when sentencing Brekke, and Brekke’s challenge to the appeal bail conditions is not properly before us because Brekke failed to file a notice of appeal from the order modifying the bail terms.
Case No. 23-0519: Otero v. State
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Andrew Chappell, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (5 pages)
A plaintiff appeals the district court’s grant of summary judgment to the defendant in a professional negligence case. OPINION HOLDS: Because the district court correctly applied the law, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0533: Charles Sila Curry v. State of Iowa
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Boone County, Amy M. Moore, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (7 pages)
An applicant appeals the denial of postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: Because the applicant has not proven counsel breached an essential duty or the reasonable probability of acquittal on his claims, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0596: Chad Ruby v. Justina Sheehan
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Webster County, Angela L. Doyle, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (17 pages)
Chad Ruby appeals the district court’s grant of summary judgment dismissing his premises-liability and negligence-per-se claims and its denial of his cross-motion for partial summary judgment on his negligence-per-se claim—all brought against Justina Sheehan, the host of a party where Ruby was stabbed by another guest. OPINION HOLDS: On the premises-liability claim, Sheehan—as a possessor of a private residence and social host—had no duty to prevent another guest from stabbing Ruby during the party. And Ruby’s negligence-per-se claim fails because the city ordinance is not specific enough to establish a negligence-per-se standard. We thus affirm the district court’s grant of summary judgment to Sheehan and its denial of Ruby’s cross-motion.
Case No. 23-0646: State of Iowa v. Diontay Marcus Cobbs
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, David P. Odekirk, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (7 pages)
Diontay Cobbs appeals following his convictions for first-degree robbery and using a juvenile to commit an indictable offense. Cobbs challenges the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his conviction for using a juvenile to commit an indictable offense and claims the district court abused its discretion by sentencing him to a seventy-percent mandatory minimum and consecutive sentences. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0766: State of Iowa v. Kang Chuol Chotkuac
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, Steven P. Van Marel, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (5 pages).
Kang Chotkuac appeals his conviction for extortion, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence supporting the conviction. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0788: State of Iowa v. Valon Jackson Jr.
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Tod Deck, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (7 pages)
Valon Jackson Jr. appeals the restitution order and sentences entered after his convictions, contending the State did not meet its burden in establishing the restitution amount and that the district court abused its discretion in sentencing by failing to consider certain mitigating factors. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find that substantial evidence supports the restitution award and the sentencing court did not abuse its discretion, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0810: State of Iowa v. Jon Michael Martinac Jr.
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Plymouth County, Steven J. Andreasen, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (5 pages)
A defendant challenges his conviction for delivery of methamphetamine. OPINION HOLDS: Viewing the record in the light most favorable to the verdict, we find substantial evidence that Martinac delivered methamphetamine. Thus, we affirm the judgment and conviction.
Case No. 23-0811: State of Iowa v. Jon Michael Martinac Jr.
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Plymouth County, Daniel P. Vakulskas, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (6 pages)
A defendant challenges his conviction for driving while barred. OPINION HOLDS: Viewing the record in the light most favorable to the verdict, we find substantial evidence that Martinac’s license was barred while he was driving. Thus, we affirm the judgment and conviction.
Case No. 23-0847: Johnson v. Dennis
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Fae Hoover, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (8 pages)
A trustee appeals the district court decision ordering distribution of trust funds to a deceased beneficiary’s issue. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find the plain and unambiguous language of the trust requires distribution to the deceased beneficiary’s issue, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0850: In re the Marriage of Jennings
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, Bethany Currie, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (6 pages)
Wayne Jennings appeals from an order granting Christina Jennings’s petition to modify the physical-care provisions of their dissolution decree and changing the placement of one of their children from joint physical care to Christina’s physical care. He argues that the district court improperly limited the evidence he could present. OPINION HOLDS: Because error is not preserved on Wayne’s evidentiary challenge and he raises no other issue, we affirm the district court. And given the financial circumstances of the parties and the relative merits of the appeal, we award Christina Jennings appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-0941: State of Iowa v. Amber Diane Movick
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Cerro Gordo County, Karen Kaufman Salic, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Vogel, S.J. (9 pages)
Amber Movick appeals the sentence imposed upon her conviction for possession of methamphetamine, third offense. She argues (1) the State breached the plea agreement by failing to endorse the agreed-upon sentencing recommendation, and (2) the district court erred by not ordering an updated presentence investigation report (PSI) or ensuring she waived her right to its use in sentencing. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, concluding the prosecutor did not breach the plea agreement and Movick failed to preserve error on her claims about the PSI.
Case No. 23-1173: In the Interest of P.A., D.A., A.A., and C.A., Minor Children
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Mitchell County, Karen Kaufman Salic, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (6 pages)
A father appeals the termination of parental rights to his four children, asking us to reverse the termination based on alleged constitutional violations and a lack of reasonable efforts. OPINION HOLDS: Because the father’s constitutional rights were not violated and his remaining issues are waived, we affirm the termination of the father’s parental rights.
Case No. 23-1300: State of Iowa v. Anthony George Garner, Jr.
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, Steven P. Van Marel, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (4 pages)
Anthony Garner Jr. appeals his sentences after pleading guilty to three criminal charges. OPINION HOLDS: Because the court exercised its discretion by imposing concurrent sentences of incarceration, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1314: Rehnea A. Bartholomew v. Jason R. Stanbrough
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Page County, Margaret Reyes, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (5pages)
A father petitioned to modify the physical-care schedule for his shared child with the mother. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find the father failed to prove a substantial change in circumstances to warrant a change in physical care, we affirm the denial of his petition to modify.
Case No. 23-1336: In the Matter of R.B., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marshall County, Bethany Currie, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., Buller, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Gamble, S.J. (8 pages)
R.B. appeals a district court order, challenging whether he continues to be seriously mentally impaired and his current placement as the least-restrictive placement. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm.
Case No. 23-1492: In re Marriage of Miller
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Scott J. Beattie, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (9 pages)
Cassidy Miller appeals the district court decision placing the parties’ minor child in Christian Miller’s physical care. OPINION HOLDS: We find it is in the child’s best interest to be placed in Christian’s physical care. We find the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Cassidy’s request for trial attorney fees. We affirm the district court. Each party shall be responsible for their own appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-1552: In the Interest of C.F., C.D., and N.H., Minor Children
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Romonda Belcher, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (9 pages)
A mother appeals a dispositional order denying modification of placement in a child-welfare case. She argues that the juvenile court should have placed her children with their maternal grandmother instead of fictive kin. OPINION HOLDS: We find that the juvenile court erred in considering the current placement a relative under Iowa Code section 232.2(56) (2023). But because disrupting the children’s placement is not in their best interests, we affirm the denial of the motion to modify.
Case No. 23-1986: In the Interest of G.B., Minor Child
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Brent Pattison, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (6 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: The child could not be safely returned to the mother’s custody at the time of the termination hearing, satisfying a statutory ground for termination. Termination is in the child’s best interests, and the parent-child bond is not so strong to preclude termination.
Case No. 23-2108: In the Interest of J.H., Minor Child
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Wapello County, Richelle Mahaffey, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (14 pages)
A mother and father separately appeal the termination of their parental rights to their child. OPINION HOLDS: Because we summarily affirm on the statutory ground not challenged by the mother and decline to rely on the permissive exception to avoid termination or to order an additional six months of time, we affirm the termination of the mother’s parental rights. Because we find that the State proved that J.H. could not be safely returned to the father’s custody at the time of the termination hearing, we also affirm the termination of the father’s parental rights.
Case No. 24-0026: In the Interest of H.G., Minor Child
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marion County, Steven Guiter, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Ahlers, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (8 pages)
A mother and father separately appeal the termination of their respective parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: The State established statutory grounds authorizing termination. Termination is in the child’s best interests. We decline to apply any permissive exception and establish a guardianship.
Case No. 24-0032: In the Interest of Z.T., Minor Child
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, David F. Staudt, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (8 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her child, arguing for a permissive exception and that a guardianship should be established. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find no permissive exception should be applied to prevent termination and guardianship is not in the best interests of the child, we affirm termination of the mother’s parental rights.
Case No. 24-0073: In the Interest of C.B. and L.H., Minor Children
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Clinton County, Kimberly K. Shepherd, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Blane, S.J. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (11 pages)
A mother and father appeal the termination of their parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: Because the State has proven grounds by clear and convincing evidence for termination under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(f) and (h) (2023), termination is in the best interest of the children, a permissive exception should not be applied to preclude termination, and an extension of time for reunification efforts is unwarranted, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0092: In the Interest of M.A. and M.A., Minor Children
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Fayette County, Linnea M.N. Nicol, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (11 pages)
In this child-in-need-of-assistance proceeding, the mother appeals the juvenile court’s dispositional review order and finding of reasonable efforts. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0186: In the Interest of E.W., E.W., and C.M., Minor Children
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marshall County, Paul G. Crawford, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Schumacher, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Vogel, S.J. (5 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to three children, claiming she should have been granted additional time to work toward reunification. OPINION HOLDS: Because additional time is not warranted, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0211: In the Interest of D.W., Minor Child
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Cynthia S. Finley, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Schumacher, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Danilson, S.J. (9 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. She challenges the statutory grounds authorizing termination, claims termination is not in the child’s best interests, and argues the court should apply a permissive exception to forgo termination. The mother also claims she received ineffective assistance from her counsel that should entitle her to relief. OPINION HOLDS: The State established statutory grounds authorizing termination. Termination is in the child’s best interests, and we decline to apply a permissive exception to termination. The mother’s counsel did not provide ineffective assistance.
Case No. 24-0319: In the Interest of L.A., Minor Child
Filed Apr 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Clarke County, Monty Franklin, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Doyle, S.J. (5 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her child. OPINION HOLDS: Because the State proved the grounds for termination under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(h), and the exception under section 232.116(3)(a) does not apply, and the mother failed to prove section (c) (2023) applies, we affirm the termination of the mother’s parental rights.
Case No. 22-0841: State of Iowa v. Kody Ryal Miller
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Plymouth County, Tod Deck and James N. Daane, Judges. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (10 pages)
Kody Miller appeals his conviction for simple misdemeanor assault. He contends the district court erred in denying his motion to suppress DNA testing of his blood sample from an unrelated operating-while-intoxicated offense and asserts there was insufficient evidence supporting the verdict. OPINION HOLDS: The evidence the State offered supports his conviction for assault. And because the DNA evidence from his blood sample did not contribute to the jury’s verdict, its admission was harmless. We affirm the conviction.
Case No. 22-1076: State of Iowa v. Rodney Fitzgerald Jackson
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Richard H. Davidson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (7 pages)
Rodney Jackson appeals a five-year sentencing no-contact order. OPINION HOLDS: The magistrate court did not exceed its authority in entering the permanent no-contact order, and the district court properly applied the law in finding that Iowa Western Community College, as a corporation, was a person who could be a protected party under the no-contact order. We affirm.
Case No. 22-1170: Lester Talshawn Richardson v. State of Iowa
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, David Nelmark, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Danilson, S.J. Blane, S.J., takes no part. Opinion by Danilson, S.J. (9 pages)
Lester Richardson appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief. He claims his trial counsel was ineffective given her inexperience and physical health. OPINION HOLDS: Counsel’s inexperience did not result in her providing ineffective assistance. Richardson cannot establish prejudice related to counsel’s performance during purported medical episodes given the strong evidence of his guilt.
Case No. 22-1188: State of Iowa v. Lukouxs Alan Brown
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Wright County, Gregg R. Rosenbladt, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS. Heard by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. Special Concurrence by Buller, J. (24 pages)
On interlocutory appeal, Lukouxs Brown challenges the district court’s ruling that he was restored to competency. OPINION HOLDS: We find the preponderance of the evidence shows that Brown remains incompetent to stand trial but is making progress in regaining competency. We accordingly reverse the district court’s decision and remand for the entry of an order suspending the criminal proceedings indefinitely and placing Brown in continued restoration treatment. SPECIAL CONCURRENCE ASSERTS: I concur under Iowa’s unusual de novo standard of review but remain unconvinced the standard is correct.
Case No. 22-1485: State of Iowa v. James Andrew Hols
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Mahaska County, Myron Gookin, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Buller, J., takes no part. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (8 pages)
James Andrew Hols appeals his conviction for domestic abuse assault, contending the district court’s finding of forfeiture by wrongdoing violated his constitutional rights. OPINON HOLDS: Because we conclude Hols forfeited his right to confront the victim, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1489: State of Iowa v. Jeremy Allen Bartenhagen
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Muscatine County, Gary P. Strausser and Henry W. Latham II, Judges. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (12 pages)
Jeremy Bartenhagen appeals his convictions from two separate cases, one convicting him of prohibited possession of ammunition and the other convicting him of driving while barred. He argues neither conviction is supported by sufficient evidence. In the driving-while-barred case, he also claims that the district court improperly admitted only a portion of the arresting officer’s body-camera recording, and that he should have been granted a mistrial or allowed to question the jurors after some jurors saw him escorted by jail officers to the courthouse. OPINION HOLDS: Because sufficient evidence supports both convictions, Bartenhagen never requested admission of the entire body-camera video, Bartenhagen was permitted to question jurors about seeing Bartenhagen escorted by jail officers, and the court did not abuse its discretion in denying a mistrial, we affirm Bartenhagen’s convictions in both cases.
Case No. 22-1547: State of Iowa v. Malachi Isaiah Vanderpool
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Tom Reidel, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (8 pages)
A defendant appeals his convictions for murder in the second degree and felon in possession of a firearm, challenging evidentiary rulings from his jury trial. He contends the court abused its discretion in admitting evidence of his phone calls from jail, and a Snapchat selfie of him holding a gun. OPINION HOLDS: Because those discretionary rulings complied with the rules of evidence, we affirm his convictions.
Case No. 22-1589: Dayvon Davell Freeman v. State of Iowa
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Stuart P. Werling, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., Badding, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Gamble, S.J. (8 pages)
Dayvon Freeman appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: We find Freeman failed to establish either a breach of counsel’s duty or resulting prejudice and waived his substitute-counsel claim. We affirm.
Case No. 22-1625: Krystal Wagner, individually, and as Administrator of the Estate of Shane Jensen v. State of Iowa and William L. Spece
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Humboldt County, Kurt J. Stoebe, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Langholz, J., takes no part. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (6 pages)
Krystal Wagner, individually and as the administrator of the estate of her son Shane Jensen, appeals the district court decision granting summary judgment to the State and Officer William Spece on her constitutional tort claims. OPINION HOLDS: Following Burnett v. Smith, 990 N.W.2d 289, 307 (Iowa 2023), Wagner’s constitutional tort claims are no longer actionable. And Wagner did not appeal her common law tort claims. We affirm the decision of the district court.
Case No. 22-1725: In re the Marriage of Bast
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Joseph Seidlin, Judge. AFFIRMED ON APPEAL; AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED ON CROSS-APPEAL. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. Concurrence in part and dissent in part by Schumacher, J. (18 pages)
Kelly Bast appeals, and Kathy Bast cross-appeals, the financial provisions in the decree dissolving their marriage. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no failure to do equity as to Kelly, we affirm on appeal. But we agree with Kathy the court should have set aside $40,000 in proceeds traceable to her inheritance from her sister. As a result, we modify the decree by vacating Kathy’s equalization payment but affirm on the trial court’s denial of additional attorney fees. PARTIAL DISSENT ASSERTS: I join in the majority opinion in all respects except for the amount of alimony awarded to the payee spouse. Due to the amount of assets each party received, each party’s retirement status, and the needs of the payee spouse, an award of traditional alimony in the amount of $900 per month is equitable.
Case No. 22-1797: Blue Verbrugge Family Farms, LLC, et. al. v. Hamilton County Board of Supervisors as Trustees of Drainage District No. 71
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Hamilton County, Amy M. Moore, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., Langholz, J., and Gamble, S.J.* Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (8 pages)
The Hamilton County Board of Supervisors (Board) as trustee of Drainage District No. 71 (DD71) appeals the district court decision reversing its decision to annex certain property into DD71. OPINION HOLDS: There is not sufficient information in the annexation report to show the land the Board sought to annex into the drainage district would be materially benefited by the annexation, and therefore the land should not be annexed. We affirm the decision of the district court.
Case No. 22-1837: Terrence Arthur Reasby v. Iowa District Court for Polk County
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Certiorari to the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Coleman McAllister, Judge. WRIT ANNULLED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Potterfield, S.J. (6 pages)
On writ of certiorari, Terrence Reasby challenges the district court’s denial of his motion for earned-time credit for the days he spent in a treatment program before his probation was revoked. OPINION HOLDS: Because Reasby was neither an inmate nor committed to the custody of the DOC while he was on probation and spending time at Bridges, he is not entitled to earned-time credit. We affirm the district court’s denial of his motion and annul the writ.
Case No. 22-1890: Christopher John Buck v. Iowa District Court for Grundy County
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Certiorari to the Iowa District Court for Grundy County, Linda M. Fangman, Judge. WRIT SUSTAINED AND CASE REMANDED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Badding, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Doyle, S.J. (7 pages)
The question presented in this certiorari action is whether the district court abused its discretion in denying Christopher Buck’s application to modify a sex offender registration requirement. OPINION HOLDS: Because Buck is at low risk to reoffend and there is no substantial benefit to public safety in continuing his registration requirements, the district court abused its discretion in denying modification. We sustain the writ of certiorari and remand to the district court for entry of an order granting Buck’s application.
Case No. 22-1969: State of Iowa v. Braden Alan Johnson
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Hamilton County, Hans Becker, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. Dissent by Tabor, P.J. (20 pages)
A defendant appeals his criminal convictions and sentence imposed, arguing the convictions are not supported by substantial evidence and the court abused its discretion in sentencing. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, concluding the convictions are supported by substantial evidence and the sentences are not the product of an abuse of discretion. DISSENT ASSERTS: I respectfully dissent from the majority’s decision finding sufficient evidence to support the convictions. I disagree that the State offered much if any evidence to show the defendant could form the specific intent to assault a jailer or damage property. Instead, the State conveyed to the jury an inaccurate view of the defendant’s diminished responsibility defense. Because the evidence at trial revealed a failure to recognize an inmate’s mental-health crisis rather than the inmate’s specific intent for assault or damage to property, I would reverse his convictions.
Case No. 22-2000: Kenith Lamar Lewis v. State of Iowa
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Patrick A. McElyea, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (10 pages)
Kenith Lewis appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief, which raised claims of ineffective assistance of counsel. OPINION HOLDS: Finding Lewis has not overcome the presumption of competence on either of his claims, we affirm the denial of his application for postconviction relief.
Case No. 22-2015: State of Iowa v. Glenn Dale Thompson
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Hancock County, Colleen Weiland, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Schumacher, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Vogel, S.J. (15 pages)
Glenn Thompson appeals his drug convictions, challenging the denial of his motion to suppress evidence obtained as a result of a traffic stop. He argues his constitutional rights were violated because the traffic stop was extended beyond its permissible duration and evidence obtained as a result of a search of his person would not have been inevitably discovered. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no constitutional violation, we affirm the denial of Thompson’s motion to suppress and his resulting convictions.
Case No. 22-2032: State of Iowa v. Manual J. Seenster Jr.
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Clayton County, Richard D. Stochl, Judge. DISTRICT COURT RULING VACATED AND CASE REMANDED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (4 pages)
Manuel Seenster Jr. appeals an order denying his motion for new trial on a remand from this court. OPINION HOLDS: Because the district court entered the order on a remand before procedendo issued on the first appeal, the district court lacked jurisdiction. And because the district court lacked jurisdiction, the order is a nullity. We vacate the order denying the motion for new trial—which leaves us nothing to review. The case is remanded for the district court to address the pending new trial motion.
Case No. 22-2052: In re Trust of Winn
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Craig E. Block, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (8 pages)
Beneficiaries of a trust appeal from a ruling denying their motion to terminate the trust. OPINION HOLDS: We agree with the probate court that continuing the trust is necessary to fulfil its material purposes and affirm.
Case No. 22-2057: State of Iowa v. Royal Rio Jones
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Fae Hoover Grinde, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Chicchelly, J., takes no part. Opinion by Buller, J. (7 pages)
Royal Rio Jones appeals following his guilty plea and sentences. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, concluding Jones invited any alleged error related to the presentence investigation waiver and the district court did not abuse its discretion at sentencing.
Case No. 22-2061: State of Iowa v. Noah Christopher Scott
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Des Moines County, Wyatt Peterson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Greer, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Potterfield, S.J. (11 pages)
Noah Scott was convicted of two counts of first-degree robbery and sentenced to two concurrent twenty-five-year terms of imprisonment; he is required to serve 70% of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole or work release. On appeal, Scott argues (1) we should adopt more protective double jeopardy standards and, based on those heightened protections, grant his motion to dismiss; (2) in the alternative, there is not substantial evidence to support his convictions; and (3) the district court failed to consider all pertinent information before requiring him to serve 70% of the imposed sentenced as a mandatory minimum. OPINION HOLDS: We are not at liberty to adopt a new standard for reviewing double jeopardy claims under the Iowa Constitution, substantial evidence supports the determination Scott was one of the armed robbers, and the district court neither erred nor abused its discretion in ordering Scott to serve 70% of the mandatory minimum before becoming eligible for parole or work release. For these reasons, we affirm.
Case No. 22-2079: State of Iowa v. Danil James Deng
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Heather Lauber, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (6 pages)
A defendant challenges his sentence for first degree murder and a separate first-degree robbery charge. He alleges the district court abused its discretion by not properly considering the Lyle juvenile sentencing factors. OPINION HOLDS: Because the district court performed a thorough analysis of all the pertinent factors, we see no abuse of discretion. Thus, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0029: Joseph Mayorga Jr. v. State of Iowa
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Lee (North) County, Wyatt Peterson, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED FOR FURTHER PROCEEDINGS. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Greer, J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Carr, S.J. (7 pages)
An applicant appeals the dismissal of his application for postconviction relief (PCR). OPINION HOLDS: Finding that Mayorga’s counsel’s failure to prepare for the PCR trial and motioning for a continuance after over a year had elapsed since the PCR trial date was set and on the eve of the PCR trial amounted to Mayorga being constructively without counsel, and thus finding structural error, we reverse the court’s dismissal of the PCR application and remand for further proceedings.
Case No. 23-0256: State of Iowa v. Rosalio Quiroz
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Muscatine County, Stuart P. Werling, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Schumacher, J., and Blane, S.J. Opinion by Blane, S.J. (12 pages)
Rosalio Quiroz appeals his conviction for second-degree sexual abuse. He contends the district court erred and abused its discretion in admitting hearsay and vouching evidence and substantial evidence does not support the verdict. OPINION HOLDS: We find substantial evidence supports the jury’s verdict. And we find no merit in any of Quiroz’s hearsay challenges. Finally, we find the forensic interviewer did not offer bolstering or vouching testimony, so the district court did not abuse its discretion by allowing it. We affirm Quiroz’s conviction for second-degree sexual abuse.
Case No. 23-0300: Ashley Lynn Koester v. Eyerly-Ball Community Mental Health Services, Rebecca Parker, and Monica Van Horn
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Samantha Gronewald, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND REMANDED FOR FURTHER PROCEEDINGS. Heard by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (14 pages)
Lynn Koester appeals the dismissal of her petition alleging wrongful termination in violation of public policy as a common-law claim and retaliation under Iowa Code chapter 91A (2022). On the first claim, the district court found she did not identify a public policy violation so she failed to state a claim for which relief can be granted. And on the second, it found the claim is barred by the statute of limitations and failed to state a claim. OPINION HOLDS: We find that the district court erred at law in concluding there was no public policy justification to maintain her wrongful termination common law claim. We reverse dismissal and remand for further proceedings on that claim. On her statutory claim for retaliation directly under chapter 91A, we find the claim is barred by the statute of limitations. So we affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand for further proceedings on the common law wrongful termination claim.
Case No. 23-0369: Doyle v. Johnny B's Construction, Inc.
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Clayton County, John J. Sullivan, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (12 pages)
Timothy Doyle appeals from the district court’s dismissal of his breach-of-contract claims against Johnny B’s Construction, Inc., the contractor that he hired to repair his hunting cabin. He also appeals the judgment against him on Johnny B’s counterclaim that he breached the contract by failing to pay for all the services performed under the contract. OPINION HOLDS: The evidence before the district court was sufficient for the court to reach its findings that (1) Johnny B’s delay in performance was excused by the pandemic; (2) Doyle’s allegations of defective workmanship were not credible; and (3) Doyle breached the contract by failing to pay for some of the work Johnny B’s performed.
Case No. 23-0420: State of Iowa v. Felty E. Yoder
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Allamakee County, Alan Heavens, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (11 pages)
Felty Yoder appeals his convictions and sentences. He argues the State failed to present sufficient evidence to support his convictions for sex abuse, the district court improperly admitted evidence of prior bad acts, and the court impermissibly relied on unproven offenses in sentencing. OPINION HOLDS: We find sufficient evidence supports Yoder’s convictions, and the district court did not abuse its discretion in either admitting evidence or in sentencing. Accordingly, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0439: Principal Securities, Inc. v. Mark A. Gelbman
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Celene Gogerty, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. Dissent by Langholz, J. (18 pages)
A party to arbitration appeals a ruling vacating the award. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, finding the district court correctly ruled the award was not supported by substantial evidence. DISSENT ASSERTS: Because the district court exceeded the bounds of its limited review of arbitration awards under Iowa Code section 679A.12 (2022), I would reverse the district court and let the binding arbitration award stand.
Case No. 23-0474: Thomas Michael Yarges v. State of Iowa
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Samantha Gronewald, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (14 pages)
Thomas Yarges appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: Yarges has failed to demonstrate the prejudice necessary to succeed on his claim of ineffective assistance of counsel because by pleading guilty he avoided two potential felony convictions and eight more years of imprisonment, and the State’s case against him was strong. Likewise, Yarges failed to present clear and convincing evidence that based on his assertions to the contrary of the State’s witnesses no reasonable jury could have found that he committed the crimes of which he was accused. We affirm.
Case No. 23-0513: In re Marriage of Gulash
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Henry W. Latham II, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (5 pages)
Garry Gulash appeals the district court’s denial of his request to modify the property division in the parties’ dissolution decree. OPINION HOLDS: At the time of the dissolution decree, the court and the parties treated Garry’s pension benefits as marital property, not as income. We reject Garry’s attempt to recategorize the benefits he receives as disability benefits, which could be treated as income. The division of property in a dissolution decree is not subject to modification. We affirm the court’s decision to deny the request to modify the decree.
Case No. 23-0563: State of Iowa v. Quaysean Purdy
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Jeffrey D. Bert, Judge. AFFIRMED AND REMANDED FOR ENTRY OF CORRECTED SENTENCING ORDER. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (5 pages)
Quaysean Purdy appeals the fines imposed following his convictions for third-degree sexual abuse and assault with intent to commit sexual abuse. He argues the district court abused its discretion when it set the fine on each count. OPINION HOLDS: The district court did not abuse its discretion when setting the fines on either count. However, we remand for entry of a corrected sentencing order to harmonize the written sentencing order with the oral pronouncement of sentencing on the assault-with-intent-to-commit-sexual-abuse conviction setting the term incarceration not to exceed two years and imposing a fine of $855.
Case No. 23-0579: In the Interest of J.V., Minor Child
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Samantha Gronewald, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. Dissent by Langholz, J. (21 pages)
Guardians appeal the district court’s denial of their petition to terminate a mother’s parental rights to her child under Iowa Code chapter 600A (2020). OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we reverse and remand with instructions to enter an order terminating the parental rights of the mother. DISSENT ASSERTS: I am compelled to conclude—like the district court—that the guardians have not met their heavy burden to prove abandonment, mainly because of their prevention of contact between the mother and child and their refusal of financial support from the mother. Thus, I would affirm the dismissal of this termination petition.
Case No. 23-0644: In re the Marriage of Clark
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Jeffrey A. Neary, Judge. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Langholz, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (8 pages)
Aaron Clark appeals property distribution and spousal support provisions of the decree dissolving his marriage to Rochelle Clark and challenges the court’s award of trial attorney fees to Rochelle. OPINION HOLDS: We find no failure to do equity in the court’s division of the pension and retirement benefits. We also affirm the award of spousal support but modify the amount to $700 per month. The district court did not abuse its discretion when it awarded attorney fees, and we award Rochelle appellate attorney fees. We affirm as modified.
Case No. 23-0707: State of Iowa v. Hannah Jean Hennick
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, Steven P. Van Marel, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (2 pages)
Hannah Jean Hennick pled guilty to driving while barred as a habitual offender. OPINION HOLDS: Because there is no good cause for the appeal, error was not preserved on this issue, and we cannot decide ineffective-assistance claims on direct appeal, we must dismiss the appeal.
Case No. 23-0714: State of Iowa v. Ricco James Fourkiller
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Tod Deck, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (7 pages)
Ricco Fourkiller appeals his conviction for willful injury causing bodily injury, arguing the evidence was insufficient to prove he specifically intended to cause serious injury. OPINION HOLDS: Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, we find sufficient evidence supports the verdict and affirm.
Case No. 23-0758: In the Matter of S.P., Alleged to Be Seriously Mentally Impaired
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Paul D. Miller, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Greer, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (9 pages)
S.P. appeals the district court’s finding he suffered from serious mental impairment and his commitment was proper. OPINION HOLDS: Finding clear and convincing evidence to support the district court’s ruling, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0772: Country View Acres Homeowners v. Dickinson County
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dickinson County, Charles Borth, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS. Heard by Bower, C.J., Chicchelly, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Doyle, S.J. (20 pages)
Woodlyn Hills Estates, LLC (Woodlyn Hills) owns nearly eighty-eight acres of real estate in rural Dickinson County; it applied for a conditional use permit to develop an RV park with 174 spots. Following public hearings, the Dickinson County Board of Adjustment (the Board) voted 3-2 to grant the permit. Country View Acres Homeowners (the Homeowners), a nonprofit association of individuals who own homes in Dickinson County near the proposed RV park, petitioned for a writ of certiorari to challenge the Board’s decision. The district court allowed Woodlyn Hills to intervene in the proceedings and, following the admission of some additional evidence, ultimately annulled the writ. On appeal, the Homeowners claim the writ should have been sustained because the Board acted illegally by failing to substantially comply with procedural requirements before reaching its decision and because its decision to grant the conditional use permit is not supported by substantial evidence. OPINION HOLDS: Considering all the procedural issues discussed, we conclude the Board failed to substantially comply with its own procedural requirements and thus acted illegally. We need not address the parties’ other arguments raised on appeal. We reverse the ruling of the district court annulling the writ. We remand for reinstatement of the writ and for further proceedings, during which the Board should reopen the record for public comment. The Board shall receive Van Orsdel’s April 21 email and any correspondence submitted as attachment 4170, that have identifiable authors, which were not read at the April 25 meeting, and the letters from Megan Skalicky and Seth Skalicky, before conducting another vote on whether to grant the conditional use permit. We take no position on whether the conditional use permit for the RV park should be granted.
Case No. 23-0961: State of Iowa v. Champayne Renee Sandifer-Jackson
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Monica Zrinyi Ackley, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (8 pages)
Champayne Renee Sandifer-Jackson appeals her sentence, claiming there was a binding plea agreement, and the district court abused its discretion. OPINION HOLDS: Sandifer-Jackson’s plea was not conditioned on the court’s acceptance of a particular sentence, and the sentence imposed was not an abuse of discretion.
Case No. 23-0963: State of Iowa v. Jesse Richard DeGroote
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Butler County, Peter B. Newell, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Schumacher, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Potterfield, S.J. (3 pages)
On discretionary review, Jesse DeGroote challenges the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his conviction for simple-misdemeanor assault. OPINION HOLDS: Substantial evidence supports DeGroote’s conviction for assault, so we affirm.
Case No. 23-1099: State of Iowa v. Brandon C. Williams
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Gregory D. Brandt, Judge. VACATED AND REMANDED FOR RESENTENCING. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (12 pages)
The defendant appeals the sentence imposed following his conviction for operating while intoxicated, second offense. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find that the sentencing court relied on unproven facts in making its sentencing decision, we vacate the sentence and remand for resentencing.
Case No. 23-1103: Noah Richard Knight v. Athena Soumas
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Sarah E. Crane, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (5 pages)
Noah Knight appeals from the parenting schedule set in an order awarding joint legal custody and joint physical care of his daughter with Athena Soumas. OPINION HOLDS: The alternating weekend parenting schedule is in the best interest of the parties’ daughter.
Case No. 23-1151: Qingli Meng v. Iowa Board of Regents
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Joseph Seidlin, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (18 pages)
Dr. Qingli Meng challenges the district court’s denial of her petition for judicial review. OPINION HOLDS: Both the university-wide standards in chapter three of the Faculty Handbook as well as the old department-specific standards that Dr. Meng opted into governed the procedure here; therefore, the Committee and Head of the Department relied on the correct procedure in evaluating Dr. Meng’s application for tenure and the Board of Regents did the same in accepting their decision. Its decision to deny her tenure was rational, made with regard to the law and facts, and based on reasonable grounds. For these reasons, we affirm the district court’s denial of Dr. Meng’s petition for judicial review.
Case No. 23-1174: Whitead v. Olson
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Zachary Hindman, Judge. MODIFICATION AFFIRMED; WRIT ANNULLED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Langholz, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (20 pages)
Justin Olson appeals the district court’s order modifying the visitation provisions of a custody decree and finding him in contempt for depriving Sara Whitead parenting time with their child. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the modification of the parties’ custody decree. We further find substantial evidence Justin willfully violated the decree, and we annul the writ of certiorari. We deny Justin’s challenge to the district court’s award of trial attorney fees to Sara, and we award Sara $9842.50 in appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-1239: In re Marriage of Wilson
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Jeanie Vaudt, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (10 pages)
Raymond Wilson appeals the modification of the parties’ dissolution decree granting Staesha Fenton, formerly Staesha Wilson, sole legal custody of their two minor children. OPINION HOLDS: We conclude Staesha established a material and substantial change in circumstances since entry of the dissolution decree warranting modification and Raymond has focused solely on his own interests, rather than the best interests of the children. We affirm the decision placing the children in Staesha’s sole legal custody. We decline to award Staesha appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-1416: In the Interest of Z.F., L.F., and A.F., Minor Children
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Romonda D. Belcher, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (17 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her three children. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find there was clear and convincing evidence of the statutory ground for termination in Iowa Code 232.116(1)(f) and (h) (2023), the best interests of the children are best served by termination, the permissive exception does not preclude termination, and the department met the active-efforts requirement under the Indian Child Welfare Act, we affirm the termination of the mother’s parental rights. The mother did not preserve error on her request for six additional months.
Case No. 23-1835: In the Interest of N.D. and C.D., Minor Children
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Floyd County, Karen Kaufman Salic, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (9 pages)
A mother and father separately appeal the termination of their parental rights to their children, claiming the State failed to prove the grounds for termination cited by the juvenile court, termination is not in the children’s best interests, and the court should apply a permissive exception to preclude termination. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm both appeals.
Case No. 23-1865: In the Interest of N.S., Minor Child
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Muscatine County, Gary P. Strausser, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Schumacher and Ahlers, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (6 pages)
A mother appeals from a dispositional order in a child-in-need-of-assistance proceeding. She challenges the juvenile court’s denial of her motion to reopen the adjudicatory record to allow the child at issue to testify. She also challenges the juvenile court’s decision to place custody of the child with the father and denial of her motion to change service providers. OPINION HOLDS: The juvenile court did not abuse its discretion in denying the motion to reopen the record. Placing custody of the child with the father is in the child’s best interests. There is no need to change service providers because the service provider is providing services and not hindering the reasonable-efforts mandate.
Case No. 23-2020: In the Interest of T.G. and M.G., Minor Children
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Kimberly Ayotte, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (10 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: We find there is clear and convincing evidence in the record to support termination of the mother’s parental rights, termination is in the children’s best interests, and no exceptions to termination should be applied. And an extension of time is unwarranted under these facts. We affirm the termination of the mother’s parental rights.
Case No. 23-2038: In the Interest of L.H. and L.H., Minor Children
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Donna Bothwell, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (10 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights. He challenges the grounds for termination, argues termination is not in the children’s best interests, and requests the establishment of a guardianship or additional time to work toward reunification. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the termination of the father’s parental rights.
Case No. 23-2058: In the Interest of J.W., Minor Child
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Rachael E. Seymour, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (6 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her child. OPINION HOLDS: Because termination is in the best interests of the child, and additional time or application of a permissive exception are not warranted, we affirm.
Case No. 23-2091: In the Interest of A.O. and L.C., Minor Children
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Cynthia S. Finley, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (11 pages)
A mother appeals the district court order terminating her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: We find there is clear and convincing evidence in the record to support termination of the mother’s parental rights, termination is in the children’s best interests, and an exception to termination should not be applied. An extension of time for reunification efforts is unwarranted on these facts. We affirm the termination of the mother’s parental rights.
Case No. 24-0057: In the Interest of I.J., Minor Child
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Kristal L. Phillips, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (4 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence supporting the grounds for termination. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the termination of the father’s parental rights.
Case No. 24-0068: In the Interest of L.J., Minor Child
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Rachael E. Seymour, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (9 pages)
Korey and Javon appeal the termination of their parental rights to one-year-old L.J. They both challenge the statutory grounds for termination and request a six-month extension of the proceedings. Additionally, Javon contends the juvenile court should have placed L.J. with his mother, the paternal grandmother. Javon also contends termination of his rights is not in L.J.’s best interests. OPINION HOLDS: Neither parent can safely care for this medically complex child. We find no merit in their challenges, so we affirm on both appeals.
Case No. 24-0069: In the Interest of K.R., Minor Child
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Rachael E. Seymour, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (9 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights to his child, arguing the grounds for termination have not been met, termination is not in the best interests of the child, and we should decline to terminate based on a permissive exception. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find the statutory grounds for termination are satisfied, the best interests of the child support termination, and no exceptions to termination are applicable, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0089: In the Interest of P.W., Minor Child
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Carroll County, Joseph McCarville, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (9 pages)
A mother and father separately appeal the termination of their parental rights to their child. The mother claims the State failed to prove the grounds for termination cited by the juvenile court and termination is not in the child’s best interests. Both parents claim the State did not engage in reasonable efforts to reunite them with the child. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm on both appeals.
Case No. 24-0093: In the Interest of C.L., Minor Child
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Michael Motto, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (10 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights, challenging whether the State made reasonable efforts towards reunification and whether sufficient evidence supports the statutory elements of termination. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm.
Case No. 24-0143: In the Interest of R.M., Minor Child
Filed Mar 27, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Michael Motto, Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (10 pages)
A mother and father separately appeal the termination of their parental rights to their child. The mother challenges the statutory grounds for termination, and the father asks us to decline to terminate based on a permissive exception. OPINION HOLDS: Having found the statutory grounds satisfied and because we decline to exercise a permissive exception, we affirm termination of the mother’s and father’s parental rights.
Case No. 21-1709: David Mikel Robbins v. Iowa District Court for Marshall County
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Certiorari to the Iowa District Court for Marshall County, John J. Haney, Judge. WRIT ANNULLED. Considered by Badding, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Vogel, S.J. (4 pages)
David Robbins petitions for writ of certiorari regarding denial of his request for a determination of his reasonable ability to pay restitution. OPINION HOLDS: Finding Robbins failed to properly present any claim for our review, we annul the writ of certiorari.
Case No. 21-1928: State of Iowa v. Odol Lual Othow
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Scott J. Beattie, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Tabor and Greer, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (24 pages)
Odol Othow appeals his convictions for attempted murder, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, and willful injury causing serious injury. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find that the district court did not err in overruling Othow’s motion to sever his trial from Owo Bol and Thon Bol, that the district court did not err in admitting the recorded statements of two other co-defendants even though they were severed from the trial, and substantial evidence supports the verdict, we affirm Othow’s convictions.
Case No. 22-0567: State of Iowa v. David Robert Hirvela
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Ian K. Thornhill, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (6 pages)
David Hirvela appeals the district court’s sentencing decision, arguing that the court improperly considered only a single factor and failed to consider the best sentencing option for rehabilitation. OPINION HOLDS: Because the district court considered permissible sentencing factors including the nature of the offense in deciding Hirvela’s sentence, we find no abuse of discretion and affirm.
Case No. 22-0719: State of Iowa v. Fredrick Williams
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, David P. Odekirk, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Bower, C.J., Chicchelly, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Gamble, S.J. (23 pages)
Fredrick Williams appeals his convictions for first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse, challenging evidentiary rulings and the sufficiency of the evidence supporting the verdicts. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find the most of challenged statements are either non-hearsay or fall under the exception to the rule against hearsay for then-existing mental, emotional, or physical conditions; the probative value of the evidence of prior bad acts on the issue of intent is not substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice or proof that Williams had a bad character or propensity for violence; that the few pieces of admitted hearsay evidence did not affect Williams’s substantial rights; and because we find substantial evidence supports both convictions, we affirm.
Case No. 22-0783: In re Detention of Jordan Nicholas Sanford
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Fae Hoover Grinde, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Vogel, S.J. (4 pages)
Jordan Sanford appeals from the district court’s finding that he is a sexually violent predator, arguing his attorney was ineffective for failing to challenge the basis for an expert’s opinions. OPINION HOLDS: Even if we were to assume without deciding that Sanford’s counsel had a duty to raise the issue, we find no prejudice and affirm.
Case No. 22-0828: State of Iowa v. Carter Dmitri Woodruff
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Coleman McAllister and Jeanie Vaudt, Judges. AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND REMANDED FOR RESENTENCING. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Schumacher, J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Carr, S.J. (14 pages)
Carter Woodruff appeals his convictions for assault causing bodily injury, lascivious acts with a child, and assault while participating in a felony. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the district court’s denial of Woodruff’s request for a Franks hearing based on his claim the search warrant application for his tablet contained false and misleading information. We also affirm the denial of his motion to suppress information obtained from the tablet. We determine Woodruff’s convictions for assault causing bodily injury and assault while participating in a felony should be merged. We find the district court did not give adequate reasons for making the sentences in this case consecutive to a probation revocation matter. We affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand for resentencing.
Case No. 22-1126: Stephanie Pauline Eakes v. State of Iowa
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Justin Lightfoot, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Ahlers, J., and Vogel, S.J. Chicchelly, J., takes no part. Opinion by Vogel, S.J. (11 pages)
Stephanie Eakes appeals the denial of her application for postconviction relief (PCR), arguing the district court erred in rejecting her claim that the sentence imposed on her felony conviction was improperly treated as running consecutively to the sentence imposed on a prior conviction for which she was on parole when she committed the new offense. Also submitted with this appeal for our consideration is the State’s motion to dismiss the appeal as moot. OPINION HOLDS: We deny the State’s motion to dismiss but affirm the denial of Eakes’s PCR application on the merits.
Case No. 22-1298: State of Iowa v. Ryan Patrick Richter, Jr.
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Michelle M. Wagner and Patrice Eichman, District Associate Judges. CONVICTIONS AFFIRMED IN PART AND REVERSED IN PART; SENTENCES AFFIRMED IN PART AND VACATED IN PART; ORDER FOR FIREARM PROHIBITION VACATED; AND CASE REMANDED. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Tabor and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (15 pages)
Ryan Richter appeals the denial of his motion to suppress and the entry of an order for firearm prohibition. As to the motion to suppress, Richter argues the seizure and search of his vehicle was unconstitutional under the federal and state constitutions because a police officer’s acts of entering his vehicle and moving it were not justified by the public servant branch of the community caretaking exception to the warrant requirement. As to the firearm prohibition, Richter argues the court was without statutory authority to impose it and it violates his constitutional right to bear arms under the federal and state constitutions. OPINION HOLDS: We reverse the district court’s denial of Richter’s motion to suppress, reverse the marijuana conviction, vacate the sentence imposed on that conviction, and remand for further proceedings. Because the firearm prohibition was premised solely on the marijuana conviction, we likewise vacate the separate order for firearm prohibition.
Case No. 22-1359: Jared John Thomas Owens v. State of Iowa
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Michael Hooper, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Schumacher and Ahlers, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (10 pages)
Jared Owens appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief (PCR). Owens raises claims of prosecutorial misconduct and ineffective assistance of counsel. OPINION HOLDS: Because Owens pleaded guilty part way through his criminal trial, he waived challenges to errors not intrinsic to his plea and cannot directly raise his claim of prosecutorial misconduct. Owens cannot establish any of his claims of ineffective assistance of counsel because trial counsel had no duty to make a meritless objection to claimed prosecutorial misconduct, and Owens did not establish prejudice regarding his other claims.
Case No. 22-1442: Susan Ronnfeldt v. Shelby County Chris A. Myrtue Memorial Hospital d/b/a Myrtue Medical Center and Shelby County Medical Corporation
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Shelby County, Jeffrey L. Larson, Judge. REVERSED. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (8 pages)
Susan Ronnfeldt appeals the district court’s dismissal of her medical malpractice action. OPINION HOLDS: Because the district court’s orders dismissing Ronnfeldt’s claims were based in part on a judgment subsequently reversed, we reverse.
Case No. 22-1504: State of Iowa v. Johnny Mack Hill Jr.
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Ian K. Thornhill, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., Buller, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Vogel, S.J. (5 pages)
Johnny Mack Hill Jr. appeals from his conviction for attempted murder, arguing the evidence is insufficient to support his conviction. OPINION HOLDS: Finding the evidence sufficient for the jury to conclude both that Hill set in motion a force or chain of events that would cause or result in death and that he specifically intended to cause death, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1628: Ai Papiboune v. Lourdes Ibarra Deibarra
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marshall County, Amy M. Moore, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (6 pages)
A plaintiff appeals from an adverse verdict in an automobile accident case. OPINION HOLDS: Finding error was not preserved due to an inadequate offer of proof, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1671: In re Estate of Schultz
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Allamakee County, Richard D. Stochl, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Buller, J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Buller, J. (11 pages)
Three beneficiaries appeal a ruling on their objections to an executor’s final report. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find that the siblings entered into the Family Settlement Agreement (FSA) before their interests vested and that after the deaths of two of the parties their beneficiaries became necessary parties to the agreement, the FSA is invalid, and the property should not have been distributed based on its terms. But we reverse and remand for additional evidence of the validity of the will that preceded the FSA. We issue no ruling on the accounting issue not properly before us, and we affirm the portion of the ruling addressing self-dealing.
Case No. 22-1697: Growth Unlimited Corp. v. Good Vibes and Patricia Lura
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Montgomery County, Jeffrey L. Larson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (5 pages)
A games supplier appeals the district court ruling regarding the end of its contractual relationship with an arcade business. OPINION HOLDS: The supplier’s contract repudiation predates any arguable breach, and we affirm.
Case No. 22-1746: State of Iowa v. Andrew George Thomas
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, John Telleen, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (5 pages)
Andrew Thomas appeals his conviction for assault causing bodily injury, claiming there was insufficient evidence to prove that he engaged in “an act intended to cause pain or suffering or be insulting or offensive.” OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, concluding substantial evidence supports the jury’s verdict.
Case No. 22-1786: James L. Raders, M.D. v. Dean R. Price and RSM US LLP
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Jeffrey D. Bert, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED WITH INSTRUCTIONS. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (11 pages)
Defendants appeal the district court order reversing summary judgment. OPINION HOLDS: Because the plaintiff does not allege fraud in the inducement as to the contract’s two-year limitation provision, we conclude his claims are barred. Accordingly, we reverse and remand for entry of an order consistent with this opinion.
Case No. 22-1800: Sara Jo Weisbeck v. Iowa District Court for Scott County
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Tamra Roberts, Judge. WRIT SUSTAINED AND REMANDED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Schumacher, J., and Blane, S.J. Opinion by Blane, S.J. (12 pages)
Sara Jo Weisbeck, through writ of certiorari, challenges the district court’s imposition of restitution following her convictions for one count of identity theft and one count of insurance fraud. She argues restitution is not causally related factually or within scope of liability and that evidence does not support the amount of restitution ordered. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm the district court’s finding that an award of restitution was factually related and within the scope of liability, but we reverse and remand for determination of the proper amount of restitution.
Case No. 22-2030: State of Iowa v. Hser Nay Thaw
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Kimberly J. Smith, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (5 pages)
Hser Nay Thaw appeals his conviction for third-degree burglary, contending insufficient evidence supports the conviction and his trial counsel was ineffective. OPINION HOLDS: Because the conviction is supported by substantial evidence and we cannot consider ineffective-assistance claims on direct appeal, we affirm.
Case No. 22-2099: State of Iowa v. Dimione Jamal Walker
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Paul D. Miller (good cause finding) and Andrew Chappell (motion to set aside good cause finding, motion to dismiss, and trial), Judges. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. Buller, J., takes no part. (11 pages)
Dimione Jamal Walker appeals his convictions, contending the State violated his constitutional right to speedy trial, the prosecutor impermissibly struck a prospective juror, and the trial court abused its discretion by admitting prejudicial evidence. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find Walker failed to show that the State violated his speedy-trial right, the prosecutor did not exercise a peremptory challenge based on a prospective juror’s race, and the probative value of the challenged evidence was outweighed by its prejudicial effect, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0015: Randall John Bielfelt v. State of Iowa
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Boone County, Bethany Currie, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Schumacher and Ahlers, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (6 pages)
Randall Bielfelt appeals the district court’s grant of summary disposition to the State on one postconviction-relief claim, arguing he received ineffective assistance of counsel because trial counsel failed to investigate a prior allegation of sexual abuse. He also appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief on his second claim, arguing he received ineffective assistance of counsel because trial counsel failed to consult an expert. OPINION HOLDS: Because this court has already decided Bielfelt suffered no prejudice from the admission of the evidence Bielfelt claims his trial counsel should have investigated, trial counsel did not fail to perform an essential duty by not consulting an expert, and no prejudice resulted from failing to consult an expert, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0054: Dupaco Community Credit Union v. Iowa District Court for Linn County
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Valerie L. Clay, Judge. WRIT ANNULLED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Buller, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Buller, J. (15 pages)
A credit union and its attorneys seek certiorari review following an award of sanctions for failing to adequately investigate claims made in pleadings. OPINION HOLDS: Because the district court did not abuse its discretion, we annul the writ and allow the order for sanctions to stand.
Case No. 23-0062: State of Iowa v. Christian William Goyne-Yarns
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dickinson County, Carl J. Petersen, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (14 pages)
Christian Goyne-Yarns appeals his conviction for murder in the first degree of Shelby Woizeschke. He seeks a new trial, challenging the strength of the State’s proof and a ruling excluding evidence of a handgun, tested at the state crime laboratory but ruled out as the murder weapon. OPINION HOLDS: Because the State offered overwhelming evidence of Goyne-Yarns’s guilt, we affirm. And even if we assume exclusion of the gun evidence was erroneous, it was harmless error.
Case No. 23-0206: Tracy Adam Thompson v. State of Iowa
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Richard D. Stochl, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (9 pages)
Tracy Adam Thompson appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief after pleading guilty to one count of possession of methamphetamine, third or subsequent offense, a class “D” felony. OPINION HOLDS: Because Thompson has not met his burden of proving ineffective assistance of counsel, we affirm the denial of his PCR application.
Case No. 23-0251: Muzammil Ali v. State of Iowa
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, David M. Porter, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (5 pages)
Muzammil Ali appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: The postconviction court properly applied the law when it found counsel did not breach any duty by failing to inform Ali of a collateral consequence of pleading guilty. Because Ali has not shown his trial counsel provided ineffective assistance, we affirm the denial of postconviction relief.
Case No. 23-0294: Patrick William Kirwan v. State of Iowa
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Robert B. Hanson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (7 pages)
Patrick Kirwan appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: Because Kirwan fails to show he received ineffective assistance from his trial counsel, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0356: Terry Tobias Cobbins Jr. v. State of Iowa
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marion County, Charles C. Sinnard, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Blane, S.J. Opinion by Blane, S.J. (4 pages)
Terry Cobbins appeals the summary dismissal of his second application for postconviction relief asserting Iowa Code section 822.3 (2019) is unconstitutional. OPINION HOLDS: Cobbins failed to preserve error on his constitutional contention, so we affirm dismissal.
Case No. 23-0367: State of Iowa v. Denis Michel Demers
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Muscatine County, Gary P. Strausser, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (10 pages)
A defendant convicted of harassment challenges an order prohibiting him from having in-person contact with his two minor sons for five years. OPINION HOLDS: As the defendant did not preserve error on his challenge to the no-contact order involving his older son, we limit our review to the no-contact order involving his younger son and to his substantive due process challenge. Because we find the district court correctly determined that his younger son was a victim of the defendant’s public offense, and because the defendant’s substantive due process claim lacks merit, we affirm the ruling.
Case No. 23-0426: Gayle Pohl v. University of Northern Iowa
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, David Porter, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Langholz, J., takes no part. Opinion by Buller, J. (22 pages)
A professor appeals from judicial review affirming discipline following findings of research misconduct. OPINION HOLDS: Finding the university did not act unconstitutionally or in violation of its rules, policies, or procedures, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0447: Zachary Alfred Hayes v. State of Iowa
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Cedar County, Joel W. Barrows, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Schumacher, J., and Blane, S.J. Buller, J., takes no part. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (7 pages)
Zachary Hayes appeals the district court’s denial of his application for postconviction relief. He asserts ineffective assistance of trial counsel, arguing counsel failed to challenge the sufficiency of the evidence on one count and failed to request jury instructions on lesser-included offenses. OPINION HOLDS: As Hayes failed to show ineffective assistance of counsel regarding the sufficiency-of-the-evidence claim and failed to preserve error on the jury-instructions claim, we affirm the district court’s denial of the application for postconviction relief. And we do not address the ineffective assistance of postconviction counsel.
Case No. 23-0448: Steve Pettett, Tracey Pettett, Joe Flower, Danita Flower, Steve Harper, and Lynnette Harper v. John Krughel and Trisha Krughel
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Mark R. Fowler, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (13 pages)
John and Trisha Krughel appeal from a judgment ordering them to demolish a building on their property because it was built in violation of restrictive covenants. OPINION HOLDS: The Krughels built a building on their lot in violation of the lot’s restrictive covenants. Their argument that it was impossible or impractical to seek approval of their subdivision’s building committee fails because the building committee existed and the Krughels had notice of that fact. And we decline to consider the Krughels’ new laches and estoppel-by-acquiescence arguments because they did not preserve error by raising them with any specificity in the district court. So we affirm the district court’s order to demolish the building.
Case No. 23-0535: State of Iowa v. Patrick Roosevelt Hickman Isabell
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Andrea J. Dryer, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (7 pages)
Patrick Isabell appeals his convictions for robbery in the first degree, burglary in the first degree, and going armed with intent. He claims there was not sufficient evidence to show he had a gun. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0545: State of Iowa v. Edwin Edgardo Diaz
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Sac County, Angela L. Doyle, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (5 pages)
Diaz contends his conviction violated his constitutional rights, his sentence is illegal, and the district court should have ordered a competency evaluation. OPINION HOLDS: Because neither Diaz’s conviction nor sentence violated his constitutional rights or constituted error, we affirm both.
Case No. 23-0577: In re The Marriage of Bigg
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Robert B. Hanson, Judge. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED AND REMANDED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (12 pages)
Ryan Bigg appeals the child support, spousal support, and attorney fees awarded to Rachael Bigg in their dissolution-of-marriage decree. OPINION HOLDS: On our de novo review of the record, we modify the dissolution decree to award Rachael transitional spousal support for eighteen months. We affirm the award of trial attorney fees to Rachael and deny her request for appellate attorney fees. The case is remanded to the district court for recalculation of child support.
Case No. 23-0634: State of Iowa v. Danah Renee Kleppe
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Muscatine County, Gary P. Strausser, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (9 pages)
Danah Kleppe appeals her conviction for operating while intoxicated. Kleppe claims the district court should have granted her motion to suppress. She asserts that an officer did not have probable cause to stop her vehicle because the evidence does not show that she committed a traffic violation. OPINION HOLDS: Kleppe turned left at two intersections without signaling. We find that because of the presence of another vehicle at one intersection, the proximity of the officer, and the totality of the circumstances, the officer had reasonable suspicion to stop Kleppe’s vehicle. We affirm the district court.
Case No. 23-0638: In re the Marriage of Schuler
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Poweshiek County, Shawn Showers, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (5 pages)
A father appeals from a ruling declining to modify child-support obligations. The mother requests appellate attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: We agree with the approach taken by the district court; we affirm and grant the mother’s request for attorney fees.
Case No. 23-0818: Melvin Themous Hardgraves v. Ica Goulette
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Jeffrey A. Neary, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Langholz, J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Langholz, J. (6 pages)
Melvin Hardgraves appeals from the denial of his petition to modify a custody order to obtain physical care of his eight-year-old daughter, who is currently placed in the care of her mother, Ica Goulette. OPINION HOLDS: Hardgraves has not met his heavy burden to show a substantial change in circumstances warranting modification of the current physical-care order. We thus affirm the district court’s denial of his modification petition. We also deny Goulette’s request for appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-0898: In the Interest of S.M., Minor Child
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Korie Talkington, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (6 pages)
S.M., a minor child, appeals the juvenile court’s adjudication of him as a delinquent child, finding that he committed the delinquent acts of domestic abuse assault causing injury or mental illness and domestic abuse assault while using or displaying a weapon. OPINION HOLDS: Because sufficient evidence supports these findings, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0998: State of Iowa v. Bryan Michael Halfhill
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Michael J. Shubatt, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (7 pages)
Bryan Halfhill appeals his convictions of second-degree sexual abuse and lascivious acts with a child. He challenges the district court’s denial of his motion for new trial, claiming the verdicts are contrary to the weight of the evidence. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1168: Ommen v. City of Dubuque
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Monica Zrinyi Ackley, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Schumacher and Ahlers, JJ. Langholz, J., takes no part. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (8 pages)
The City of Dubuque appeals the district court’s ruling that granted Dubuque County’s motion to dismiss in this action to determine which entity is responsible for future maintenance of a cemetery. OPINION HOLDS: Because the City is the governmental subdivision with jurisdiction over the cemetery under Iowa Code section 523I.316 (2020), we affirm.
Case No. 23-1325: State of Iowa v. Troy Eldon Rees
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Monica Zrinyi Ackley, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (6 pages)
Troy Rees appeals the sentence imposed, arguing he was denied his right of allocution. OPINION HOLDS: Because the court afforded Rees and his attorney the opportunity to volunteer information regarding his punishment, there was substantial compliance with the rule and the court did not deny him his right of allocution. Finding no defect in the sentencing procedure, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1533: In the Interest of B.G. and A.G., Minor Children
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Adair County, Monty Franklin, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Schumacher and Ahlers, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (6 pages)
A father appeals the adjudicatory and dispositional orders in child-in-need-of-assistance (CINA) proceedings. OPINION HOLDS: We find there is clear and convincing evidence in the record to support the CINA orders. We affirm the decision of the district court.
Case No. 23-1676: In the Interest of A.S., Minor Child
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for O’Brien County, Shawna L. Ditsworth, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (9 pages)
A biological father appeals the termination of his parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: Because case law forecloses two of the father’s claims and termination is in the child’s best interests, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1684: In the Interest of J.B. and E.S., Minor Children
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Romonda Belcher, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (5 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to two sons contending the State did not prove the statutory grounds for termination and the court should have found statutory exceptions to termination. OPINION HOLDS: The State proved the statutory grounds for termination, and we agree with the juvenile court that neither of the exceptions asserted applies in this case. Thus, we affirm the termination.
Case No. 23-1877: In the Interest of J.B., Minor Child
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Cheryl Traum, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (8 pages)
A mother appeals the adjudication and dispositional order in child-in-need-of-assistance (CINA) proceedings concerning her child. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the adjudication of the child as CINA under Iowa Code section 232.96A(3)(b), (5), (14), (15), and (16) (2023). We reverse the adjudication of the child as to Iowa Code section 232.96A(2). We affirm the disposition.
Case No. 23-1880: In the Interest of S.W., Minor Child
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Brent Pattison, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Schumacher and Ahlers, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (5 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. She challenges the statutory grounds authorizing termination and contends that termination is not in the child’s best interests, citing her bond with the child and preference for establishment of a guardianship over termination. OPINION HOLDS: The State established the child could not be safely returned to the mother’s custody at the time of the termination hearing, satisfying a statutory ground for termination. Termination rather than a guardianship best serves the child’s best interests. And the parent-child bond is not so strong to preclude termination on that basis.
Case No. 23-1942: In the Interest of F.F., Minor Child
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Warren County, Brendan E. Greiner, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (15 pages)
The juvenile court terminated the mother’s parental rights to F.F., born in 2022, pursuant to Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(h) (2023). On appeal, the mother challenges the statutory ground for termination, argues the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services failed to make reasonable efforts to reunify her with the child, and contends termination is not in the child’s best interests. Alternatively, the mother maintains she should have been given more time to work toward reunification. The mother also raises claims outside of our typical three-step review, asserting F.F. should have been immediately returned to her care after she decided she wanted to parent and the court erred in terminating her rights while leaving intact the rights of a possible biological father. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the termination of the mother’s parental rights.
Case No. 23-1954: In the Interest of T.H. and T.H., Minor Children
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Warren County, Mark F. Schlenker, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (9 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights to two children, arguing termination is contrary to the children’s best interests, the juvenile court should have applied permissive exceptions to termination, and he should be afforded additional time to work toward reunification. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the termination of the father’s parental rights.
Case No. 23-1971: In the Interest of J.V., J.G., and J.G., Minor Children
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Kimberly Ayotte, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (10 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her three children. OPINION HOLDS: Finding the statutory grounds for termination are met, the best interests of the children support termination, and declining to address issues not preserved for our consideration, we affirm the order terminating the mother’s parental rights.
Case No. 23-2019: In the Interest of K.C. and C.C., Minor Children
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marion County, Steven Guiter, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (7 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her four-year-old daughter and six-year-old son. She contends the State did not prove the children could not be returned to her custody and it was not in their best interests to terminate her rights. OPINION HOLDS: We find clear and convincing evidence that the mother’s lack of protective capacity regarding her paramour, who is a registered sex offender, would expose the children to the risk of harm. And after two years out of parental care, moving toward adoption is int the children’s best interests. Thus, we affirm.
Case No. 23-2021: In the Interest of G.G., Minor Child
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Lynn Poschner, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (12 pages)
A mother and father separately appeal the termination of their parental rights to their child. The father contests that the statutory grounds for termination have been met. Both parents contend termination is not in the best interests of the child, ask us to consider a permissive exception to termination, and request more time to work toward reunification. OPINION HOLDS: We find the statutory grounds for termination are satisfied for each parent and that the best interests of the child support termination. Further, we decline to exercise any exceptions or extensions to termination, so we affirm.
Case No. 23-2059: In the Interest of E.R., T.R., and J.F., Minor Children
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Rachael E. Seymour, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (9 pages)
A mother and father separately appeal the termination of their parental rights, claiming the State failed to prove the grounds for termination cited by the juvenile court, termination is not in the children’s best interests, the court should apply a permissive exception to preclude termination, and a guardianship should have been entered in lieu of termination. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm both appeals.
Case No. 23-2095: In the Interest of E.K., Minor Child
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, Stephen A. Owen, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (10 pages)
A mother appeals the adjudication of her four-year-old as a child in need of assistance. OPINON HOLDS: Because we find the State established the statutory grounds for adjudication and the court’s aid was necessary to enforce services, we affirm.
Case No. 24-0003: In the Interest of C.S., Minor Child
Filed Mar 06, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for O’Brien County, Jessica Noll, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (5 pages)
An incarcerated father appeals the termination of his parental rights, raising a reasonable-efforts challenge. OPINION HOLDS: Because he did not request additional services and we find the efforts provided reasonable under the circumstances, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1080: State of Iowa v. Carlos Darinel Martin-Sebastian
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for O’Brien County, David C. Larson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Buller, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Danilson, S.J. (6 pages)
Carlos Martin Sebastian appeals his conviction for operating while intoxicated, challenging the denial of his motion to suppress certain evidence. OPINION HOLDS: The arresting deputy reasonably conveyed the implied consent warnings to Martin Sebastian before he submitted to chemical testing. To the extent that Martin Sebastian challenges the admissibility of field sobriety test results, his arguments go to the weight of the results, not the admissibility. The district court correctly denied the motion to suppress.
Case No. 22-1133: Randy Leroy Cue v. State of Iowa
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Richard H. Davidson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Gamble, S.J. (15 pages)
Randy Cue appeals the denial of his applications for DNA profiling and postconviction relief. OPINION HOLDS: Cue has not established his trial and appellate counsel provided ineffective assistance, and his application did not meet the requirements for the court to order further DNA testing. We affirm.
Case No. 22-1330: State of Iowa v. Eric Dewayne Wade
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Scott J. Beattie, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (6 pages)
A defendant appeals his conviction for robbery in the second degree. He contends the State offered insufficient evidence to prove the assault or threat alternative of robbery. OPINION HOLDS: Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, we find the record contains sufficient evidence to support the conviction. Thus, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1401: State of Iowa v. Trisha Lee Kountkofsky
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Winneshiek County, Laura Parrish, Judge. SENTENCE AFFIRMED AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (8 pages)
Trisha Kountkofsky appeals the restitution order requiring her to pay victim pecuniary damages and category “B” restitution. OPINION HOLDS: The sentencing court listed incorrect code sections in its restitution order, and we remand with directions to enter a nunc pro tunc order correcting those errors. We do not address the entry of victim pecuniary damages as Kountkofsky did not exhaust her remedies for challenging them in the district court, and we affirm the category “B” restitution determination as Kountkofsky failed to file a financial affidavit and waived her right to a hearing on her reasonable ability to pay.
Case No. 22-1664: In re the Marriage of Ocean and Osborne
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dallas County, Richard B. Clogg, Judge. AFFIRMED ON APPEAL; AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED ON CROSS-APPEAL. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Ahlers and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. Concurrence in part and dissent in part by Ahlers, J. (19 pages)
Jeff Osborne appeals the district court’s property distribution, valuation, and tax liability assignment following entry of a dissolution decree. Jaime Ocean cross-appeals the spousal support award and property distribution in the decree. OPINION HOLDS: We find the property distribution, valuations, and tax liability assignment are equitable, modify the spousal support award, and affirm as modified. PARTIAL DISSENT ASSERTS: I dissent in part because I find the property distribution to be inequitable and would value an IPERS account using the Benson formula when dividing the parties’ assets. As my concurrence with the majority’s modification of the spousal-support award is contingent on also modifying the property division as I proposed, I also dissent as to the change to the spousal-support award. However, I concur with the majority’s decision to deny the cross-appeal challenging the dissolution decree’s life insurance provision.
Case No. 22-1683: State of Iowa v. Trevin David Nicholson
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, John J. Haney, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Bower, C.J., Buller, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Buller, J. (11 pages)
A criminal defendant appeals his convictions for murder in the first degree and child endangerment resulting in death. OPINION HOLDS: Because substantial evidence supports the convictions, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1805: State of Iowa v. Antonio Jamal Kitch
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Monica Zrinyi Ackley, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (11 pages)
Antonio Kitch appeals the sentences imposed following his guilty plea to neglect or abandonment of a dependent person and Alford plea to child endangerment resulting in bodily injury. OPINION HOLDS: The sentencing court considered individual circumstances and factors related to Kitch and did not rely on a fixed sentencing scheme. Although the court made comments about its belief in God, that belief did not influence the sentences imposed. The court did consider mitigating factors and was not required to list all mitigating factors considered. For these reasons, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1903: Crawford v. Mitros
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Christopher L. Bruns, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (10 pages)
Angela Vargas and Mitchell Crawford, as parents and next friends of their child, appeal the district court’s ruling granting the defendants’ motion for directed verdict in this medical malpractice case. The appellants argue they presented substantial evidence to support their claim for lost chance of a better outcome. OPINION HOLDS: Assuming without deciding that Iowa recognizes a cause of action for lost chance of a better outcome, we conclude the plaintiffs failed to present substantial evidence to warrant submission of the claim to the jury.
Case No. 22-1944: Jamie L. Davis v. Gordon Food Service, Inc., and Standard Fire Insurance Co.
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Michael D. Huppert, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Buller, J., and Mullins, S.J.* Opinion by Buller, J. (11 pages)
A claimant appeals from judicial review following denial of his workers’ compensation claim, asserting the commissioner and district court erred in their interpretation of Iowa’s private-employer drug-testing law and the presumptions afforded positive drug tests under the workers’ compensation statute. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find the district court and commissioner correctly interpreted the statutes and substantial evidence supports the commissioner’s factual determinations, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1967: Daniel Murillo v. State of Iowa
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Samantha Gronewald, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (7 pages)
Daniel Murillo appeals the denial of his application to modify sex offender registry requirements, claiming the court erred in determining he did not satisfy one of the threshold requirements for modification and abused its discretion in otherwise concluding modification should not occur. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no legal error or abuse of discretion, we affirm the district court’s denial of Murillo’s application to modify.
Case No. 23-0046: Janelle B. Wilcox v. Iowa Department of Human Services
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Robert B. Hanson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Bower, C.J., Chicchelly, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (8 pages)
Janelle Wilcox appeals the denial of her petition for judicial review of final agency action, challenging the denial of her request to add stand-alone transportation services to the monthly budget she receives through a home- and community-based services Medicaid waiver program. OPINION HOLDS: Because the agency reached the correct result by affirming the denial of Wilcox’s request, we affirm the denial of her petition for judicial review.
Case No. 23-0059: John Davis v. Christine Frank, Tristan Frank, and Does 1-30
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Celene Gogerty, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (6 pages)
John Davis appeals the district court’s dismissal of thirteen claims related to fraudulent transfer of real property and conversion of personal property against Christine Frank, Tristan Frank, and Does 1–30. OPINION HOLDS: Error was not preserved on the issue of the applicability of the doctrine of equitable estoppel, and claims related to the 2014 transfer of property are barred by Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.943.
Case No. 23-0165: Douglas K. Lindaman v. State of Iowa
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Floyd County, Colleen Weiland, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (3 pages)
Douglas Kent Lindaman appeals the denial of postconviction relief from his conviction for assault with intent to commit sexual abuse. OPINION HOLDS: Because assault with intent to commit sexual abuse is a lesser-included offense of third-degree sexual abuse and the State charged Lindaman with third-degree sexual abuse within the limitations period, we affirm the denial of postconviction relief.
Case No. 23-0221: State of Iowa v. Seth Dean Foster
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Des Moines County, Clinton R. Boddicker, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (6 pages)
A defendant challenges his sentence for enticing a minor. OPINION HOLDS: Because the court properly relied on the pertinent sentencing factors, we find no abuse of discretion. Thus, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0279: In re the Marriage of Wakely
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Jeffrey D. Farrell, Judge. AFFIRMED ON APPEAL; AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED ON CROSS-APPEAL AND REMANDED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (13 pages)
Carlos Wakely appeals spousal support and attorney fee awards following entry of a dissolution decree. Angela Wakely cross-appeals the district court’s: (i) reduction of spousal support; (ii) amendment to the visitation schedule; and (iii) decision to grant the child tax dependency exemption to both parties on an alternating basis. OPINION HOLDS: The district court properly awarded Angela spousal support and attorney fees at the district court level. In its order on the motion to amend, enlarge, or reconsider, the district court incorrectly: (i) decreased the amount of spousal support and (ii) amended the visitation schedule without considering the best interests of the children. We modify the decree in those respects and remand for calculation of child support under the child support guidelines.
Case No. 23-0349: Michael Alexander Lajeunesse v. Iowa Board of Medicine
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Sarah Crane, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. Langholz, J., takes no part. (7 pages)
Michael Lajeunesse appeals the dismissal of his petition for mandamus against the Iowa Board of Medicine for failure to state a claim upon which any relief could be granted and the denial of his motion for permissive joinder of his postconviction-relief attorney as a defendant. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm dismissal of Lajeunesse’s mandamus petition and the denial of his motion for permissive joinder.
Case No. 23-0353: In re T.M., Minor Child
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Eric J. Nelson, District Associate, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Schumacher and Ahlers, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (6 pages)
T.M. challenges his delinquency adjudication on the grounds that the juvenile court erred in admitting certain testimony from his father and that insufficient evidence supported the finding that he committed a delinquent act. OPINION HOLDS: We decline to consider the evidentiary challenge, choosing to conduct our de novo review for the sufficiency of the evidence without considering the challenged evidence. Following that de novo review, we find sufficient evidence supports the delinquency adjudication.
Case No. 23-0377: Cusick v. Cooper
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Fremont County, Jeffrey L. Larson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (8 pages)
Carson and Trisha Cusick challenge the enforcement of the settlement agreement between them and Adrienne and Brian Cooper. OPINON HOLDS: Because the district court did not err when enforcing the settlement agreement, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0422: State of Iowa v. Juan Paramo Vargas
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Hancock County, Colleen Weiland, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (10 pages)
A defendant appeals his conviction for sexual abuse in the third degree, claiming the evidence was insufficient to support the conviction because his out-of-court admission was not sufficiently corroborated. OPINION HOLDS: Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the State and drawing all reasonable inferences in the State’s favor, we find there is sufficient “other proof” linking the defendant to the crime and corroborating his admission. We accordingly affirm his conviction.
Case No. 23-0444: David J. Downey v. Taylor N. Brown
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Union County, Elisabeth Reynoldson, Judge. AFFIRMED AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS TO DETERMINE ATTORNEY FEES. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (5 pages)
A father appeals an ordered child-care variance from the child-support guidelines. The mother requests appellate attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the variance, order the father to pay the mother’s reasonable appellate attorney fees, and remand for the district court to determine a reasonable amount.
Case No. 23-0564: Adam Paul Wuebker v. Whitaker Properties, LLC and David Whitaker
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, James C. Ellefson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (8 pages)
Adam Wuebker appeals from the grant of summary judgment for the defendants concerning a claim for interference with contractual relations. OPINION HOLDS: We determine the district court did not err in granting summary judgment, and we affirm.
Case No. 23-0727: In re Marriage of Cook
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Muscatine County, Tamra Roberts, Judge. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED AND REMANDED WITH INSTRUCTIONS. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (9 pages)
Petitioner appeals the district court order modifying the child support obligation established in the parties’ dissolution decree. OPINION HOLDS: The district court order improperly determined the child support obligation using a formula presuming joint physical care. We find the noncustodial parent is responsible for support. The requirement to share the children’s expenses other than the uncovered medical expenses is eliminated. Neither party is awarded appellate attorney fees. We affirm the district court’s order as modified and remand with instructions for entry of an order consistent with this opinion.
Case No. 23-0767: In re the Marriage of Nichols and Mauro
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Robert J. Blink, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (13 pages)
Charles Nichols appeals from the district court’s dismissal of his marriage dissolution petition for failing to prove a common-law marriage with Mary Molloy Mauro. OPINION HOLDS: While Nichols has much evidence on his side, he has not carried his burden to prove a common-law marriage. On balance, the parties’ shifting assertions of married and single status in various contexts reflect an intent to serve their personal convenience or financial benefit—not a present intent and agreement to be married. Given the close merits of this appeal and the relative financial circumstances of the parties, we decline Molloy Mauro’s request for appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-0854: State of Iowa v. David Duane Boley
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Appanoose County, Greg Milani, Judge. CONVICTION AFFIRMED, SENTENCE VACATED IN PART, AND REMANDED FOR RESENTENCING. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (6 pages)
David Duane Boley appeals his convictions and sentences on charges of sexual abuse and incest, contending there is insufficient evidence supporting his convictions and the trial court abused its discretion when sentencing. OPINION HOLDS: Because substantial evidence supports the verdicts, we affirm his convictions. But because the trial court abused its discretion when imposing fines, we vacate this portion of the sentence and remand for limited resentencing on this issue.
Case No. 23-1700: In the Interest of J.M., Minor Child
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Susan Cox, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Mullins, S.J. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (7 pages)
An adoptive mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: We find there is clear and convincing evidence in the record to support termination of the adoptive mother’s parental rights. Also, termination of her parental rights is in the best interests of the child. We affirm the decision of the district court.
Case No. 23-1930: In the Interest of D.D. and L.D., Minor Children
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Lynn Poschner, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (10 pages)
A mother and father separately appeal the termination of their parental rights to their two children. OPINION HOLDS: Because the State proved grounds for termination by clear and convincing evidence and termination is in the best interests of D.D. and L.D., we affirm. We also do not find an exception for a bond, nor do we grant the father’s request to defer permanency for six months. We affirm on both appeals.
Case No. 23-2011: In re C.S., Minor Child
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Romonda Belcher, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Schumacher and Ahlers, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. Special Concurrence by Greer, P.J. (12 pages)
A mother and father separately appeal the termination of their respective parental rights to their child. Both argue the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services failed to make reasonable efforts toward reunification and termination is not in the child’s best interests due to the strength of the parent-child bonds. OPINION HOLDS: The department made reasonable efforts to facilitate reunification. Termination is in the child’s best interests, and neither parent established a parent-child bond strong enough to forgo termination. SPECIAL CONCURRENCE ASSERTS: I believe that the mother properly preserved her argument that the department failed to provide reasonable efforts when it provided her with a bus pass in light of her trauma with riding the bus system. But, because the failure to address the issue with the bus pass did not impact the mother’s visitations, I agree with the majority that we should affirm the termination of the mother’s parental rights.
Case No. 23-2023: In the Interest of C.M., J.M., L.M., T.M., and Z.M., Minor Children
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Poweshiek County, Richelle Mahaffey, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (9 pages)
Parents separately appeal the termination of their parental rights to five children under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(f) and (h) (2023). The mother argues termination was contrary to the children’s best interests, she is “bonded with the children,” and “[a]dditional time would have allowed [her] to obtain permanent housing and employment.” The father argues the lack of visitation-related services after the parents moved to Illinois shortly before the termination hearing constituted a failure to make reasonable efforts at reunification. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the termination of the parents’ parental rights.
Case No. 23-2112: In re Q.B., Minor Child
Filed Feb 21, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Cheryl Traum, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (4 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm.
Case No. 21-0934: State of Iowa v. Michelle Lee Boat
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marion County, Patrick W. Greenwood, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (18 pages)
Michelle Boat appeals her conviction and sentence for murder in the first degree. OPINION HOLDS: The district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Boat’s motion to strike a potential juror for cause or in denying her motion for mistrial based on prosecutorial error. The court also did not err in considering Boat’s assets that are exempt from execution when determining her reasonable ability to pay category “B” restitution. Therefore, we affirm.
Case No. 22-0936: State of Iowa v. Reginald Eugene Stewart, Jr.
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Thomas A. Bitter, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (20 pages)
A defendant appeals his criminal convictions raising double jeopardy, insufficient evidence, and evidentiary claims. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the defendant’s convictions, concluding his rights against double jeopardy were not violated and substantial evidence supported the jury’s verdict finding him guilty of attempt to commit murder. As for the claimed evidentiary errors, we find no prejudice by the admission of the child’s drawings, error was not preserved on the objection to the forensic interviewer’s testimony, and the photographs showing the victim’s injuries were not so unfairly prejudicial as to outweigh their probative value.
Case No. 22-1354: Joshua David Mitchell v. State of Iowa
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Patrick R. Grady, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Badding, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Doyle, S.J. (5 pages)
Joshua Mitchell appeals the denial of his second application for postconviction relief after pleading guilty to two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. OPINION HOLDS: Mitchell is barred from relitigating his challenge to the knowing and intelligent nature of his guilty pleas, and he has not met his burden of showing actual innocence.
Case No. 22-1419: Katherine Avenarius and Paul Avenarius v. State of Iowa
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Samantha Gronewald, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Tabor and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. Langholz, J., takes no part. (12 pages)
On interlocutory appeal of the order denying its motion for partial summary judgment, the State contends the district court erred by finding a document signed by Katherine Avenarius did not express a clear intent to waive personal injury claims resulting from the defendant’s negligence. OPINION HOLDS: Because the document does not express an intent to release the State from liability for claims related to its own negligent acts, either in the express language used or the context provided, the district court properly denied the State’s motion for partial summary judgment.
Case No. 22-1432: State of Iowa v. Anthony James Stock Sr.
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Jeffrey D. Bert, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (12 pages)
Anthony Stock appeals his convictions for first-degree burglary, first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit a forcible felony, and going armed with intent, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence underlying the convictions and the district court’s denial of his motion for a mistrial. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find substantial evidence supports the convictions and Stock failed to object and preserve error on his motion for a mistrial, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1454: State of Iowa v. Justin Lee Borchers
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Plymouth County, Jeffrey L. Poulson, Jeffrey A. Neary, and Patrick H. Tott, Judges. AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND REMANDED. Heard by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (21 pages)
Justin Lee Borchers appeals his convictions for introducing controlled substances into a jail and possession of controlled substances. He contends there was insufficient evidence that he introduced the substances into the jail; his waiver of counsel was not knowing, intelligent, and voluntary; the court should have granted his motion to suppress; the court should have ordered a competency evaluation; and the court should have found him incompetent to represent himself. OPINION HOLDS: We find substantial evidence does not support his convictions for introducing substances into the jail. We reverse and remand for dismissal of those charges. But because his other claims fail, we affirm his convictions for possession of controlled substances. We also remand for resentencing on the remaining convictions.
Case No. 22-1702: Mallory Rose Marie Logston v. Matthew David Steen
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Appanoose County, Lucy J. Gamon, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (9 pages)
Matthew Steen appeals the district court’s ruling granting Mallory Logston physical care and the dependency tax exemption and setting his visitation rights. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1804: State of Iowa v. Gustavo Huerta
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Monica Zrinyi Ackley, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (11 pages)
Gustavo Huerta appeals his convictions and sentences after a jury found him guilty of sexual exploitation of a minor and enticing a minor. OPINION HOLDS: I. Substantial evidence supports the finding that Huerta exchanged messages with a person under the age of sixteen, supporting his conviction for enticing a minor. Substantial evidence also supports a finding that Huerta caused or attempted to cause a minor to engage in the display of nudity, supporting his conviction for sexual exploitation of a minor. Because substantial evidence supports his sexual-exploitation conviction under both theories alleged by the State, we do not address Huerta’s constitutional challenge to Iowa Code section 814.28 (2020). II. The district court exercised its discretion in sentencing Huerta to consecutive sentences.
Case No. 22-1849: State of Iowa v. Kelvin Devell Willform
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Des Moines County, Emily Dean, District Associate Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED FOR NEW TRIAL. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (12 pages)
A defendant appeals his conviction for possession of marijuana. OPINION HOLDS: Because the court denied Willform his right to self-representation guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment, we must reverse and remand for a new trial on his conviction for marijuana possession.
Case No. 22-1885: Gary Romello Wise v. State of Iowa
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Joel Dalrymple, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (8 pages)
Gary Wise appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief. He argues trial counsel provided ineffective assistance because he investigated no defense and “bullied” Wise into waiving a jury trial. Wise also alleges that he was prejudiced by the subpar performance of his postconviction-relief counsel. OPINION HOLDS: Wise failed to show that trial counsel breached a material duty in the criminal case and failed to show postconviction-relief counsel’s performance resulted in prejudice in those proceedings. So we affirm the denial of relief.
Case No. 22-1934: Andrew Gray Caulker v. State of Iowa
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Michael Huppert, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Ahlers, and Potterfield, S.J.* Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (7 pages)
An applicant appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief, arguing ineffective assistance of counsel. OPINION HOLDS: Because we conclude that the applicant’s trial counsel did not breach an essential duty and the applicant cannot demonstrate prejudice, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1976: State of Iowa v. Matthew Ray Oney
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Crawford County, Zachary Hindman, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Blane, S.J. Opinion by Blane, S.J. (7 pages)
Matthew Oney appeals the jury’s guilty verdicts claiming there is insufficient evidence to identify him as the perpetrator. OPINION HOLDS: We find substantial evidence supports the jury’s verdicts and affirm.
Case No. 22-1994: State of Iowa v. Elijah Daniel Davis
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Adair County, Scott J. Beattie, Judge. CONVICTION AFFIRMED, SENTENCE VACATED IN PART, AND REMANDED FOR RESENTENCING. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (6 pages)
Elijah Daniel Davis appeals his conviction and sentence, contending that there is insufficient evidence supporting his conviction for homicide by vehicle and the district court abused its discretion when sentencing him for child endangerment. OPINION HOLDS: Because substantial evidence supports the verdict, we affirm his conviction for homicide by vehicle. But because the district court abused its discretion when imposing the fine for child endangerment, we vacate this portion of the sentence and remand for resentencing on this issue.
Case No. 22-2040: State of Iowa v. Randy Lynn Barnes
Filed Feb 07, 2024
No. 22-2040 STATE v. BARNES
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Coleman McAllister, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (3 pages)
A criminal defendant appeals his sentence following conviction for eleven burglary-related offenses. OPINION HOLDS: The district court considered its sentencing options before imposing a term of imprisonment and did not abuse its discretion.
Case No. 22-2049: Sandry v. Iowa Public Employment Relations Board
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, David Nelmark, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Schumacher and Ahlers, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (18 pages)
Sunny Sandry appeals the district court’s decision on judicial review affirming the Iowa Public Employment Relations Board’s (PERB) ruling finding just cause to support her termination from employment with the Iowa Department of Transportation. OPINION HOLDS: The standard of review here is for whether the agency’s application of law to fact was irrational, illogical, or wholly unjustifiable. Applying that standard of review, we find that substantial evidence supports the finding that Sandry’s took money from the state and therefore just cause existed for her termination. As the appellee, PERB did not waive its arguments on appeal by joining in intervenor Department of Administrative Services’s brief, and we affirm.
Case No. 22-2051: In re the Marriage of Routt
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Davis County, Crystal S. Cronk, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (8 pages)
A father appeals the denial of his motion to quash an income-withholding order entered by the Child Support Recovery Unit. OPINION HOLDS: Because the father did not preserve error on his challenges to the district court’s denial of his motion to quash that order, we affirm without reaching the merits of his claims.
Case No. 22-2074: State of Iowa v. Antwan Antonio Johnson, Sr.
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Brook Jacobsen, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (8 pages)
A defendant appeals his convictions for child endangerment and domestic abuse assault, second offense. The defendant argues the district court abused its discretion in (1) admitting audio recordings of two 911 phone calls; (2) allowing opinion testimony by a police officer that the defendant’s wife was not cooperative; (3) overruling an objection to rebuttal evidence; and (4) denying his for-cause challenge to a potential juror. OPINION HOLDS: Because the defendant’s claims on appeal were either not preserved for our review or did not result in prejudice, we affirm his convictions.
Case No. 22-2098: Rochon Corporation of Iowa, Inc. n/k/a Graphite Construction Group, Inc. v. Des Moines Area Community College
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Robert B. Hanson, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS. Heard by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (28 pages)
Graphite Construction Group, Inc. (Graphite Construction), the principal contractor on a public construction project, appeals the district court’s ruling that it was not yet due part of the retainage being held by the owner of the project, Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). OPINION HOLDS: Because Graphite Construction’s request for release of the full value of the surety bond from the retainage fund was timely and appropriate under Iowa Code section 573.16(2) (2022), and because DMACC cannot rely on section 573.28 to withhold some retainage based on the value of uncompleted labor and materials, we reverse the decision of the district court and remand for an order granting payment from the retention fund in the amount of $82,627.78, plus interest as provided by section 573.16(2). We deny the request to award attorney fees to Graphite Construction.
Case No. 23-0022: In re R.J. Wenck Trust
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Madison County, Martha L. Mertz, Judge. AFFIRMED ON APPEAL; REVERSED ON CROSS-APPEAL. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (13 pages)
A lifetime beneficiary of a trust appeals the denial of his application for distribution, seeking distribution of remaining 2018 trust net income and a portion of the principal. Trust remaindermen cross-appeal an order for the trust to pay a portion of the lifetime beneficiary’s attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: There is no remaining 2018 net income to distribute, and the trustee did not abuse his discretion when he denied the lifetime beneficiary’s request for a principal distribution. Accordingly, we affirm on direct appeal. The district court erred by concluding Iowa Code section 633A.4507 (2019) authorized payment of a portion of the lifetime beneficiary’s attorney fees because the attorney’s efforts did not involve administration of the trust. Therefore, we reverse on cross-appeal.
Case No. 23-0028: David Deshawn Bradford v. State of Iowa
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Kellyann M. Lekar, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (6 pages)
David Bradford appeals the dismissal of his third application for postconviction relief (PCR). OPINION HOLDS: Because Bradford already raised and we already decided his claim of ineffective assistance of trial counsel in his first PCR action and it does not qualify under the ground-of-fact-or-law exception, we affirm the PCR court.
Case No. 23-0045: Kraft Heinz Company and Indemnity Insurance Company of North America v. Ernest Bynum
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Robert B. Hanson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Ahlers and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (8 pages)
An employer appeals the district court’s denial of its petition for judicial review, challenging the workers’ compensation commissioner’s ruling that its employee provided timely notice of a workplace injury. OPINION HOLDS: Because the commissioner’s ruling is supported by substantial evidence, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0090: Bernard J. Fischer v. Pauline M. Fischer, Gregory Fischer, and Theresa Lane
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Greg W. Steensland, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Ahlers and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (11 pages)
Bernard Fischer appeals the district court’s findings that his siblings did not breach their fiduciary duties as their mother’s agents pursuant to a power of attorney and that they rebutted the presumption of undue influence. He also appeals the denial of his claim for attorney fees and asks for appellate attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: On our de novo review, we find that the agents did not breach their fiduciary duties and rebutted the presumption of undue influence. The district court did not abuse its discretion in denying attorney fees, and we deny the claim for appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-0100: State of Iowa v. Bridgett Denise Kuebler
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dallas County, Erica Crisp, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (11 pages)
A defendant appeals her convictions for operating while intoxicated, second offense, and child endangerment, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence supporting both convictions. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find there is substantial evidence supporting the jury’s verdict, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0142: Baltimore v. Dallas County
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dallas County, Terry Rickers, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (11 pages)
Shad Baltimore appeals the district court decision finding the Dallas County Board of Supervisors (Board) did not act illegally by rezoning a portion of the property owned by Alternate Route Properties, LLC from agricultural to light industrial. OPINION HOLDS: We find the Board was not required to amend the Dallas County Comprehensive Plan, the Board’s decision was consistent with the comprehensive plan, the Board did not engage in illegal spot zoning, and the Board acted reasonably. We affirm the district court.
Case No. 23-0163: State of Iowa v. Robert Stewart Eakin Sr.
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Hardin County, John R. Flynn, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Buller, J., takes no part. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (9 pages)
A defendant appeals two convictions for third-degree sexual abuse. He seeks a new trial, alleging the district court should have excluded evidence of the sexual abuse underlying a conviction that we affirmed in his first appeal. OPINION HOLDS: Because that evidence was admissible under Iowa Code section 701.11 (2022), we affirm.
Case No. 23-0177: In re Marriage of Merry
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Michael D. Huppert, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (9 pages)
Janet Fielder, formerly known as Janet Merry, appeals the dissolution decree that denied her request for spousal support from Dan Merry. She also seeks appellate attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: Due to the amount of assets awarded to the parties and the fact neither party is employed due to age, the court acted equitably in denying Janet’s request for spousal support. Additionally, we deny Janet’s request for appellate attorney fees. We affirm the decision of the district court.
Case No. 23-0327: State of Iowa v. Dennis James Boone Jr.
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, David P. Odekirk, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Schumacher, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (5 pages)
Dennis Boone Jr. appeals the sentence imposed by the district court following his guilty plea to possession of a firearm as a felon. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no abuse of discretion, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0393: George Tyler v. Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc.
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Celene Gogerty, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Ahlers and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (6 pages)
A workers’ compensation claimant appeals the district court’s ruling on judicial review of the workers’ compensation commissioner’s determination that his claim was barred for untimely notice, arguing the commissioner improperly applied the discovery rule. OPINION HOLDS: Because claimant did not provide his employer notice of his injury until almost a year after learning of his injury and that the injury was work-related, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0416: State of Iowa v. Cassi Mae Bird
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Michael D. Huppert and Lawrence P. McLellan, Judges. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (4 pages)
Cassi Bird appeals the sentence imposed by the district court following her guilty plea to possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver and tax stamp violation. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no abuse of discretion, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0478: State of Iowa v. Tyden Daniel Clark
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Des Moines County, Michael J. Schilling, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Schumacher and Ahlers, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (6 pages)
Tyden Clark challenges his sentence following his guilty plea to robbery in the first degree, arguing the district court abused its discretion when weighing the relevant sentencing factors. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find the district court did not abuse its discretion, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0551: State of Iowa v. Brandon Lee Lyman
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Mark R. Fowler, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (6 pages)
Brandon Lyman appeals his sentence following his convictions for second-degree burglary, two counts of willful injury causing bodily injury, and second-degree attempted burglary. OPINION HOLDS: The sentencing court did not err in considering Lyman’s character and propensity, the effect of the crimes on the community, and his chances of reform and treatment in imposing a term of incarceration rather than probation. Therefore, finding no abuse of the sentencing court’s discretion, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0593: Austin Patrick Shephard v. Breck Christina Briley
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Robert B. Hanson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (8 pages)
Breck Briley appeals from an order modifying the placement of the parties’ only child from her physical care to the care of the child’s father, Austin Shepherd. She also tries to appeal an award of trial attorney fees, and Shepherd requests appellate attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: Giving the district court’s factual findings the weight they deserve, we agree that placing the child with Shepherd is in the child’s best interests—particularly his interest in being supported to have a relationship with both parents. Briley’s attempted challenge to the attorney-fee award is not properly before us because the district court did not make a final attorney-fee award in the only order that Briley appealed. And we decline Shepherd’s request for appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-0660: Jessie Teah v. State of Iowa
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Scott D. Rosenberg, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Schumacher, P.J. (4 pages)
Jessie Teah appeals the dismissal of his application for postconviction relief. He argues equitable tolling should be applied to save his application from the statute of limitations. OPINION HOLDS: Because we determine the applicant failed to preserve this issue with the district court, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0677: RCB Porkers 4, LLC v. Seuntjens
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Plymouth County, Jeffrey A. Neary, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (9 pages)
Jerry Seuntjens and Seuntjens Farms appeal from an adverse judgment after a bench trial that Seuntjens breached his contract with RCB Porkers 4, LLC by refusing to pay the contracted price for manure from RCB Porker’s hog facility. OPINION HOLDS: The parties’ contract is unambiguous that the manure price is based on “the commercial fertilizer rate”—not some private rate available only to Seuntjens. So the district court correctly found that Seuntjens breached the contract when he refused to pay the price calculated based on the commercial rate obtained by RCB Porkers.
Case No. 23-0809: State of Iowa v. Arico Jydarius Johnson
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Tabitha Turner, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (3 pages)
A criminal defendant attempts to appeal his guilty plea. OPINION HOLDS: Because the claim pursued is not yet ripe for adjudication, we dismiss his appeal.
Case No. 23-0948: In re Marriage of Kisting
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Monica Zrinyi Ackley, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART, VACATED IN PART, AND REMANDED. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (18 pages)
Matthew Kisting appeals the modification of the decree dissolving his marriage to Sara Bahl. He challenges the decision to grant physical care of the parties’ children to Sara and contends the court interfered with his parental rights in violation of both the United States and Iowa Constitutions. He also challenges the district court award of Sara’s trial attorney fees. Finally, Sara requests an award of appellate attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: Because it is in the best interests of the children, we affirm the modification but vacate the portion designating Sara as the sole decision-maker for religious and educational matters. We find the district court did not interfere with Matthew’s constitutional or parental rights. Finally, we decline to consider Matthew’s challenge to Sara’s trial-attorney-fees award as premature, and we award Sara appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-1776: In the Interest of S.C., Minor Child
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Cynthia S. Finley, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (5 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find one of the mother’s claims precluded, the child’s best interests support termination, and no permissive exception applies, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1859: In the Interest of C.H. and E.H., Minor Children
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Bremer County, Peter B. Newell, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (8 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her children, claiming termination is not in the children’s best interests and requesting a deferral of permanency or establishment of a guardianship as an alternative to termination. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the termination of the mother’s parental rights.
Case No. 23-1968: In the Interest of A.B., D.B., and J.B., Minor Children
Filed Feb 07, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Clinton County, Kimberly K. Shepherd, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (10 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her three children. OPINION HOLDS: Because after our de novo review of the record we find that the children could not be safely returned to the mother’s custody at the time of the termination hearing and reliance on the permissive exception to order a guardianship is unwarranted, we affirm the termination of the mother’s parental rights.
Case No. 21-1425: State of Iowa v. Gerry Harland Greenland
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Decatur County, John D. Lloyd, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Chiccelly, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (13 pages)
Gerry Greenland appeals his convictions for assault on a peace officer and attempt to commit murder of a peace officer. OPINION HOLDS: We find sufficient evidence supports Greenland’s convictions and distinct actions underlie the offenses so the convictions do not merge. We affirm.
Case No. 22-1099: Dominick Ronald Marcott v. State of Iowa
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Joseph W. Seidlin, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (7 pages)
Dominick Marcott appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief following his guilty plea to operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent. He contends plea counsel provided ineffective assistance. OPINION HOLDS: Marcott failed to prove counsel breached an essential duty in allowing him to plead guilty, so we affirm the denial of postconviction relief.
Case No. 22-1284: Ryder Lee Sisco v. State of Iowa
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Jackson County, Stuart P. Werling, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Potterfield, S.J. (12 pages)
After a jury convicted Ryder Sisco of first-degree kidnapping and domestic abuse assault by impeding airflow or blood circulation in 2016, Sisco applied for postconviction relief (PCR), which the district court denied. On appeal, Sisco re-raises some of his claims of ineffective assistance of trial counsel, asserting he was prejudiced by trial counsel’s failure to (1) object to testimony from the expert criminalist regarding DNA evidence, (2) challenge the State’s proof Sisco removed or confined the complaining witness, and (3) explain the plea offer in a way he could understand. OPINION HOLDS: Sisco failed to establish any of his claims of ineffective assistance of trial counsel. We affirm the district court’s denial of his application for PCR.
Case No. 22-1285: Kenneth Curtis Shaw Jr. v. State of Iowa
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Joseph Seidlin, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (4 pages)
An applicant appeals the denial of postconviction relief claiming his trial counsel was ineffective in three respects. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find the applicant did not preserve error on one of his claims and that counsel was not ineffective on the other two, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1422: State of Iowa v. Dylan Anthony McCombs
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Robert B. Hanson (sentencing) and Scott D. Rosenberg (jury trials and guilty plea), Judges. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (12 pages)
Dylan McCombs appeals his conviction and sentence for first-degree theft, first-degree criminal mischief, willful injury causing bodily injury, assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, extortion, and first-degree harassment. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the convictions and sentences, concluding that McCombs failed to preserve error on his challenge to wearing leg shackles at trial, substantial evidence supports that McCombs acted with specific intent and without justification, and the district court did not err or abuse its discretion in imposing consecutive sentences.
Case No. 22-1459: Double K Tiling, LLC v. Billy Reilly Veach
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Jackson County, John Telleen (summary judgment) and Stuart P. Werling (trial), Judges. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (6 pages)
A civil defendant appeals from adverse summary-judgment and breach-of-contract rulings. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, finding the summary-judgment argument waived through failure to order a necessary transcript and substantial evidence and credibility findings support the breach-of-contract ruling.
Case No. 22-1468: State of Iowa v. Chad Michael Vice
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Lee (North) County, Michael J. Schilling, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (8 pages)
Chad Vice appeals his conviction for delivery of five grams or less of methamphetamine. He argues (1) the “State failed to disprove entrapment beyond a reasonable doubt” because the “confidential informant was a close personal friend of” his and (2) the district court “abused its discretion and violated [his] due process rights when finding good cause to extend the proceedings under COVID-19 Iowa Supreme Court orders.” OPINION HOLDS: We conclude the State disproved entrapment beyond a reasonable doubt, the court did not abuse its discretion in denying Vice’s motion to dismiss, and Vice did not preserve error on his due process claim.
Case No. 22-1525: State of Iowa v. Creon Duwayne Rashard Davis
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County, Paul D. Miller, Judge. SENTENCE VACATED AND REMANDED FOR RESENTENCING. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Schumacher and Ahlers, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (3 pages)
Creon Davis appeals the sentence imposed following his guilty plea to second-degree sexual abuse. OPINION HOLDS: The district court was not aware Iowa Code section 901.5(13) (2022) gave it discretion to suspend the special sentence imposed because Davis was a minor at the time he committed the offense. Because the court was unaware of its discretion, we remand for resentencing.
Case No. 22-1601: Hunter Three Farms, LLC v. Richard Hunter, individually and as a member of Hunter Three Farms, LLC
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Greene County, Derek Johnson, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. Dissent by Langholz, J. (29 pages)
Hunter Three Farms, an Iowa limited liability company (LLC), appeals from a district court ruling that granted summary judgment in favor of one of the company’s three member-managers. The district court concluded the LLC lacked standing to sue the member because bringing the claim required unanimous consent of all members and he did not consent to being sued. OPINION HOLDS: On appeal, we hold that an LLC may sue one of its members under exceptional circumstances if all disinterested members unanimously consent to litigation. We reverse and remand for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. DISSENT ASSERTS: By default under Iowa’s statute governing LLCs, an LLC must have “the consent of all members” to take the extraordinary action of filing suit against one of its members. Iowa Code § 489.407(2)(d). Because I would stick with the text of the statute rather than marking it up with an exception of our own creation, I respectfully dissent.
Case No. 22-1780: David A. Muhr and Christine L. Mickel v. Rachelle E. Willenborg
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Carroll County, Christopher C. Polking, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (20 pages)
Two cotenants challenge the district court’s hybrid partition of a family farm. They also request attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find the district court’s order to be statutorily sound, equitable, and practicable, we affirm and do not award fees.
Case No. 22-1807: Annie Lukes v. The Blue Iris, LLC., and Julie Winter-Havel
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Chickasaw County, John J. Sullivan, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Buller, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (10 pages)
A retailer appeals the district court’s decision finding she breached a noncompete agreement and awarding damages. OPINION HOLDS: Because the district court properly found a breach of the noncompete clause and its damage assessment was sound, we affirm. We also award the appellee reasonable appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 22-1822: Burkle Co. LLC v. Copper Kitchen, LLC
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Joseph W. Seidlin, Judge. AFFIRMED ON APPEAL AND CROSS-APPEAL. Heard by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (9 pages)
Copper Kitchen, LLC and its guarantors Besim Maksutoski and Angela Maksutoski appeal the judgment entered in favor of Burkle Co. LLC in Burkle’s breach-of-contract claim and the dismissal of their counterclaims for conversion and trespass to chattel. Burkle cross-appeals, claiming the district court erred in limiting its damages. OPINION HOLDS: Finding substantial evidence supports the district court’s ruling, and discerning no legal error on which reversal is warranted, we affirm both the appeal and cross-appeal.
Case No. 22-1861: Richard Gerdts v. Donan Engineering Co., Inc., and Lance L. Telellier, P.E.
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, John Telleen and Stuart P. Werling, Judges. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, P.J., Badding, J., and Blane, S.J. Opinion by Blane, S.J. Partial Dissent by Tabor, P.J. (28 pages)
Homeowner Richard Gerdts appeals the grant of Donan Engineering Co., Inc. and Lance LeTellier’s motions to dismiss and for summary judgment related to denial by his insurance company regarding hail damage to the roof of his duplex. Gerdts appeals three of those rulings. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the dismissal of the negligence claim on the economic loss rule, and the grant of summary judgment on the third-party-beneficiary claim as Gerdts was not an intended beneficiary. But we find the district court applied an incorrect legal standard on the tortious-interference-with-contract claim. Still, we affirm on an alternative theory raised below. Donan is entitled to summary judgment on the tortious-interference claim as well, and we affirm dismissal. PARTIAL DISSENT ASSERTS: I would find Gerdts generated a question of material fact whether Donan wrongfully interfered with the insurance contract, so I would reverse and remand for a trial on the tortious-interference claim. I concur with the majority on the remaining issues.
Case No. 22-1874: Gray's Lake Activities Center LLC v. Sani Enterprise LLC
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, David Nelmark, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (7 pages)
An activities center appeals the amount awarded for damage to its parking lot caused by a painting contractor’s boom truck. OPINION HOLDS: Because the district court properly approximated the area of damage from photographs and testimony offered into record, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1878: State of Iowa v. Lovell Jonathan Flowers
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Stuart P. Werling, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (5 pages)
Lovell Jonathan Flowers appeals from his conviction of domestic abuse assault, contending the district court’s finding of forfeiture-by-wrongdoing violated his constitutional rights. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find Flowers forfeited his right to confront the witness and the court did not violate his constitutional rights, we affirm his conviction.
Case No. 22-1940: Malin v. Lee Enterprises, Inc.
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Stuart P. Werling, Judge. AFFIRMED ON APPEAL AND CROSS-APPEAL. Heard by Tabor, P.J., and Ahlers and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (8 pages)
A plaintiff appeals from the district court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of the defendants in this defamation case. The defendants cross-appeal asserting the district court should have granted summary judgment on an additional basis. OPINION HOLDS: The district court correctly granted summary judgment in favor of the defendants because the publications alleged to be defamatory contained factual and opinion statements protected by the First Amendment. Because we affirm the grant of summary judgment in favor the defendants we need not address their cross-appeal advocating an alternative basis to affirm.
Case No. 23-0017: PennyMac Loan Services, LLC v. Pheasant Trail Seventh Owners Association, Inc.
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Kevin McKeever, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (10 pages)
Pheasant Trail Seventh Owners Association, Inc. appeals a ruling denying its motion for summary judgment and granting PennyMac Loan Services, LLC’s motion for summary judgment. The district court determined the Association was not able to assess foreclosure fees or attorney fees incident to third-party foreclosure. OPINION HOLDS: The Association’s assessed “foreclosure fee” was not an “admission” or “transfer fee” as used in Iowa Code section 504.302(14) (2021), and the Association did not establish a contractual basis for an award of attorney fees.
Case No. 23-0038: In the Matter of the Max and Nelda Lauser Trust Created Under the Will of Max L. Lauser, Deceased.
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Muscatine County, Jeffrey D. Bert, Judge. REVERSED. Heard by Schumacher, P.J., and Ahlers and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (20 pages)
Barbara Zellmer appeals from the district court’s declaratory ruling interpreting the terms of Max Lauser’s will to hold that the remaining assets of the Max and Nelda Lauser Trust created under that will should be distributed in nine equal shares to any surviving issue of the beneficiaries named in the will as well as the named beneficiaries who are still living or in existence after the death of Lauser’s wife. OPINION HOLDS: Because the will includes a provision expressing an intent to limit the distribution of the trust estate to the named beneficiaries and not their issue, the assets remaining in the trust must be distributed in three equal shares to only the named beneficiaries still living or in existence after the death of Lauser’s wife. We thus reverse the district court.
Case No. 23-0109: In re the Marriage of Gast and Sullivan
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Monica Zrinyi Ackley, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (11 pages)
Joseph Gast appeals from the decree dissolving his marriage with Shannon Sullivan, granting physical care of their daughter to Sullivan, and ordering him to pay Sullivan rehabilitative spousal support and attorney fees. OPINION HOLDS: On our de novo review, giving the district court’s decisions the deference we must, we cannot say the physical care or spousal support awards fail to do equity. The court’s award of attorney fees was not an abuse of discretion. We also decline to award appellate attorney fees and costs. And Gast failed to preserve error on his due-process or recusal issues by raising them first before the district court.
Case No. 23-0186: Estate of Sena J. Wiebke, by Monte Keller, Special Executor v. Keith Wiebke
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Butler County, James M. Drew, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (6 pages)
The Estate of Sena Wiebke, by and through special executor Monte Keller, appeals the district court’s determination quitclaim transfers made by Wiebke before her death were valid and not subject to undue influence. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we conclude Keith Wiebke has established by clear and convincing evidence the transfer of properties was not the result of undue influence. Accordingly, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0231: Burkle Co. LLC v. Copper Kitchen, LLC
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Joseph W. Seidlin, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART AND REVERSED IN PART. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (7 pages)
A limited liability company (LLC) and its guarantors dispute whether attorney fees were properly awarded and request we review the award itself for reasonableness. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the district court as to the personal guarantors’ liability for attorney fees and reverse as to the LLC. We affirm the amount of the award finding no abuse of discretion.
Case No. 23-0278: Eric Michael LeConte v. John Deere Dubuque Works of John Deere & Company and Duane Enos, Individually and in his official capacity
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Thomas A. Bitter, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (3 pages)
Eric LeConte appeals the summary judgment dismissal of his defamation claims. OPINION HOLDS: LeConte’s appellate brief does not comply with our rules of appellate procedure, and we dismiss the appeal.
Case No. 23-0331: State of Iowa v. Nicholas Alexander Sinclair
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Gregory D. Brandt, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Greer and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. (9 pages)
Nicholas Sinclair challenges the denial of his motion to suppress following his conviction for operating while intoxicated. OPINION HOLDS: Because the stopping officer had specific and articulable facts to support a reasonable belief that Sinclair was involved in criminal activity based on the location of his vehicle in a gated community around the time of two 911 calls reporting a woman “freaking out” and there were no other vehicles in the area that matched the description, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0414: In re Guardianship of R.T.
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Scott Strait, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (5 pages)
A grandfather appeals the district court’s termination of his visitation rights as to his granddaughter. OPINION HOLDS: Finding the court’s authority to order visitation does not survive the end of the guardianship, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0587: State of Iowa v. Bobby Tremont Hester, Jr.
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Linda M. Fangman, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (5 pages)
Bobby Tremont Hester Jr. appeals the sentences imposed by the district court, contending the court abused its discretion when sentencing him because it failed to consider certain mitigating factors. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find no abuse of discretion by the district court, we affirm the sentences.
Case No. 23-0633: State of Iowa v. Donell Edwin Smith Jr.
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Michael J. Shubatt, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Tabor, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Danilson, S.J. (5 pages)
Donell Smith Jr. appeals his conviction for second-degree theft, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence. OPINION HOLDS: The State established Smith intentionally misappropriated cash belonging to his employer. His conviction is supported by sufficient evidence.
Case No. 23-0785: State of Iowa v. Edwin Allen III
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Discretionary review from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Brendan Greiner, District Associate Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS. Considered by Bower, C.J., Schumacher, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (7 pages)
Edwin Allen III appeals the sentence imposed following his plea of guilty, challenging the use of information by the district court without providing him notice. OPINION HOLDS: On discretionary review, because the court considered matters outside the record without notice to Allen prior to sentencing, we reverse and remand for resentencing.
Case No. 23-0819: State of Iowa v. Sarah Rae Berg
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, William Patrick Wegman, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (6 pages)
Sarah Rae Berg appeals her conviction for unauthorized use of a credit card, challenging the denial of her motion to dismiss and the sufficiency of the evidence. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm Berg’s conviction because there was no violation of the speedy-indictment right and there is sufficient supporting evidence.
Case No. 23-1102: In the Matter of the Guardianship of A.K. and J.K.
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Benton County, Cynthia Finley, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (12 pages)
An aunt and uncle who were appointed guardians of two nieces with the consent of the parents under Iowa Code section 232D.203 (2020) appeal the termination of the guardianships after the mother withdrew her consent. OPINION HOLDS: The district court applied the correct legal standard under the statute and precedent governing termination of voluntary guardianships. And on our de novo review, giving the court’s thoughtful factual findings the weight they deserve, we agree that the guardians have not shown by clear and convincing evidence that terminating the guardianships would cause the girls physical harm or significant, long-term emotional harm sufficient to carry their burden under the rigorous harm standard.
Case No. 23-1234: In the Interest of C.G. and W.G., Minor Children
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dickinson County, David C. Larson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (5 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights. He claims the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services failed to make reasonable efforts toward reunification by not securing the dismissal of a criminal no-contact order that prevented contact between the father and children after the father murdered the children’s mother. He also argues the juvenile court should have established a guardianship with the children’s stepmother rather than terminating his parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: The father’s reasonable-efforts challenge fails, and he failed to preserve his guardianship claim. We affirm.
Case No. 23-1590: In the Interest of A.W., A.W., and A.W., Minor Children
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Lynn Poschner, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (8 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: Grounds for termination exist under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(f) (2023), termination is in the best interest of the children, and the application of a permissive exception to preclude termination is unwarranted. We affirm.
Case No. 23-1631: In the Interest of A.M., Minor Child
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Mills County, Scott Strait, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Badding, J., and Blane, S.J. Opinion by Blane, S.J. (6 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her infant daughter. OPINION HOLDS: The mother waived most of the issues she raises on appeal. Termination is supported under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(h) (2023). So we affirm.
Case No. 23-1661: In the Interest of K.P., Minor Child
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Brent Pattison, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (7 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, rejecting the mother’s challenge to the juvenile court’s fact-finding and concluding termination is supported by the record.
Case No. 23-1686: In the Interest of F.H., W.H., and B.H., Minor Children
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, David F. Staudt, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART AND VACATED IN PART. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (11 pages)
A mother appeals the order terminating her parental rights to three children. OPINION HOLDS: Finding in our de novo review that the State proved grounds for termination, termination was in the children’s best interests, the mother could not prove that her bond with the children outweighed the need for termination, and more time for reunification would not be beneficial, we affirm on these issues. But because the juvenile court did not comply with Iowa Code section 815.9(6) (2023), we vacate its part of the order assessing attorney fees.
Case No. 23-1730: In the Interest of K.C.-P., Minor Child
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Cynthia S. Finley, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Schumacher and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (4 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the termination of the father’s parental rights.
Case No. 23-1735: In the Interest of R.P., Minor Child
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Scott Strait, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (7 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights to his child. OPINION HOLDS: Because clear and convincing evidence supports a statutory ground for termination, termination is in the best interests of the child, an application of a permissive exception is not warranted, and the department of health and human services made reasonable efforts toward reunification, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1795: In the Interest of L.P., Minor Child
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Crawford County, Kristal L. Phillips, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Chicchelly, P.J., Buller, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Chicchelly, P.J. (3 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to a child. OPINION HOLDS: Because the State proved the grounds for termination under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(h) (2023), we affirm.
Case No. 23-1797: In the Interest of W.E. and N.H., Minor Children
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Cynthia S. Finley, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (7 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: We find termination of the mother’s parental rights is in the children’s best interests and an extension of time to work on reunification is unwarranted. We affirm the termination of the mother’s parental rights.
Case No. 23-1806: In the Interest of N.C. and E.C., Minor Children
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Cheryl Traum, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (8 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights, claiming termination is not in the best interests of the children and the juvenile court should have established a guardianship in lieu of termination. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the termination of the mother’s parental rights.
Case No. 23-1827: In the Interest of J.G., Minor Child
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marshall County, Paul G. Crawford, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Schumacher and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (7 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights to his toddler daughter. He contends the State did not prove the statutory grounds for termination. OPINION HOLDS: Because we agree with the juvenile court that the child cannot be safely placed in the father’s custody at the present time, we affirm the termination order.
Case No. 23-1838: In the Interest of J.R., Minor Child
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Floyd County, Karen Kaufman-Salic, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (6 pages)
A father challenges the termination of his parental rights, arguing the State failed to establish statutory grounds for termination, including claiming the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services failed to make reasonable efforts, and contends that termination is not in the child’s best interests. OPINION HOLDS: The father failed to adequately challenge one of the two statutory grounds authorizing termination and failed to make a timely reasonable-efforts challenge. Termination is in the child’s best interests.
Case No. 23-1881: In the Interest of X.O., G.O., and G.A., Minor Children
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Cerro Gordo County, Adam Sauer, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (9 pages)
A mother and father separately appeal from the termination of their parental rights to their children. Both contend the State failed to prove the grounds for termination cited by the juvenile court, termination was not in the children’s best interests, the court should apply a permissive exception to preclude termination, and a six-month extension would eliminate the grounds for termination. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm both appeals.
Case No. 23-1882: In the Interest of I.C., Minor Child
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for O’Brien County, Jessica Noll, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (10 pages)
Parents separately appeal the termination of their parental rights to their child under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(f) (2023). Both challenge the sufficiency of evidence supporting that ground, argue termination is contrary to the child’s best interests, and ask for application of the permissive exception to termination in section 232.116(3)(c). OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, finding the State met its burden for termination under section 232.116(1)(f), termination is in the child’s best interests, and the bond exception should not be applied to preclude termination.
Case No. 23-1892: In the Interest of L.B., Minor Child
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Cynthia S. Finley, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (13 pages)
Two parents separately appeal termination of their parental rights. The mother challenges the statutory ground for termination and asserts her bond with the child should preclude termination of her rights, while the father argues multiple permissive exceptions should preclude termination of his rights. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find the State met the ground for termination and no permissive exceptions apply, we affirm on both appeals.
Case No. 23-1940: In the Interest of C.A., Minor Child
Filed Jan 24, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Carrie K. Bryner, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (7 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her third daughter. OPINION HOLDS: After our independent evaluation of the facts, we find the State offered clear and convincing evidence to satisfy a ground for termination. And because the mother’s struggles with substance use, mental health, and instability prevent reunification with C.A., we affirm.
Case No. 21-1185: State of Iowa v. Reath Stephen Yak
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Scott J. Beattie, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Tabor and Greer, JJ. Opinion by Greer, J. Dissent by Tabor, J. (43 pages)
The State charged five defendants in connection with a drive-by shooting at a Des Moines residence. A jury found Reath Yak guilty of intimidation with a dangerous weapon, willful injury causing serious injury, and two counts of attempted murder. On appeal, Yak argues the State presented insufficient evidence to support his convictions. He also contends the district court erred in denying his challenge to the prosecutor’s peremptory strike of a Black woman from the jury under Batson v. Kentucky, 476 U.S. 79 (1986). OPINION HOLDS: Because substantial evidence supports each of Yak’s convictions, and because our de novo review does not lead us to a different result on the Batson issue, we affirm. PARTIAL DISSENT ASSERTS: I concur in the majority’s substantial-evidence analysis. But I respectfully dissent on the Batson issue. “Equal justice under law requires a criminal trial free of racial discrimination in the jury selection process.” Flowers v. Mississippi, 139 S. Ct. 2228, 2242 (2019). Yak’s trial did not meet that test. I would find that Yak proved his Batson claim and would reverse and remand for a new trial.
Case No. 22-0472: State of Iowa v. William Russell Griffin
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Greene County, Thomas J. Bice (trial) and Christopher C. Polking (posttrial motions), Judges. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Chicchelly, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Gamble, S.J. (16 pages)
On appeal, William Griffin challenges the sufficiency of the evidence to support his convictions, contends the court erred in failing to make the proper inquiry of defense counsel and himself when defense counsel moved to withdraw and declare a mistrial, maintains the court erred in denying his motion for new trial based on him not being present at a deposition and in admitting hearsay statements in a police report. OPINION HOLDS: There is substantial evidence supporting the convictions. The court did not abuse its discretion in denying trial counsel’s motion to withdraw under the circumstances. Griffin entered a written waiver of his appearance at depositions. And the admission of hearsay was non-prejudicial. We affirm.
Case No. 22-1073: State of Iowa v. Dayton Earl Michael Elliott
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Muscatine County, Tom Reidel, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (7 pages)
Dayton Elliott appeals his criminal convictions, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, concluding there was substantial evidence to support the State’s aiding-and-abetting theory of criminal liability and the marshalling instruction for assault causing serious injury authorized the jury to reach a guilty verdict with aiding and abetting serving as the act causing serious injury.
Case No. 22-1103: State of Iowa v. Michael Lang
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Grundy County, Joel Dalrymple, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, P.J., and Ahlers and Chicchelly, JJ. Buller, J., takes no part. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (12 pages)
Michael Lang appeals his convictions for first-degree murder, attempted murder, and assault on a peace officer with intent to inflict serious injury. He contends the trial court erred and violated his constitutional right to raise a defense when it refused to give a jury instruction on justification. OPINION HOLDS: We find Lang’s argument, as raised on appeal, was not preserved in the district court. So we affirm.
Case No. 22-1157: State of Iowa v. Robert Leroy Peterson Jr.
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Justin Lightfoot, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Badding, J., and Vogel, S.J. Opinion by Vogel, S.J. (13 pages)
Robert Peterson appeals from his conviction and sentence for arson in the second degree. He argues the district court improperly admitted opinion testimony and bad-acts evidence and the court abused its discretion in sentencing him to a ten-year term of incarceration. OPINION HOLDS: The court acted within its discretion in admitting all challenged evidence and imposing the sentence.
Case No. 22-1258: Chanjuok Obuing Odhung v. State of Iowa
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Joseph W. Seidlin, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Tabor and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, J. (13 pages)
Chanjuok Odhung appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief (PCR), asserting two claims of ineffective assistance: (1) failure to protect his right to an impartial jury by raising a fair-cross-section challenge and (2) failure to be more specific in moving for judgment of acquittal. In a third claim, Odhung seeks retrial based on newly discovered evidence—an affidavit provided by his alleged accomplice stating Odhung was not involved in the planning and execution of the bank robbery. OPINION HOLDS: On the ineffective-assistance-of-counsel claims, Odhung failed to prove prejudice stemming from the performance of his trial or PCR attorneys. As for the newly discovered evidence, we share the PCR court’s view that it did not warrant a new trial. We thus affirm the denial of relief.
Case No. 22-1293: State of Iowa v. James William Thiel Sr.
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Patrick A. McElyea, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, P.J., Buller, J., and Doyle, S.J.* Opinion by Buller, J. (23 pages)
A defendant appeals his two convictions for involuntary manslaughter. He claims the State committed a Brady violation and failed to provide sufficient evidence to support his convictions. He also asserts those convictions went against the weight of the evidence and the jury’s verdicts were inconsistent. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find no Brady violation, substantial evidence supported the convictions, the verdicts were not inconsistent, and the convictions were not against the weight of the evidence, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1389: State of Iowa v. Rayshawn Demetrius Cribbs
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Angie Johnston, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Ahlers, P.J., Badding, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Gamble, S.J. (10 pages)
Rayshawn Cribbs appeals his conviction for operating while intoxicated, asserting the court erred in denying his motion in limine and contending there is insufficient evidence to sustain the conviction. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no abuse of discretion in the court’s evidentiary ruling and substantial evidence supports the jury’s verdict, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1501: Frederick Lamont Babino v. State of Iowa
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Sarah Crane, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Ahlers, J., and Potterfield, S.J. Opinion by Potterfield, S.J. (10 pages)
Frederick Babino appeals the denial of his third application for postconviction relief (PCR) following his convictions for first-degree murder and first-degree robbery in 2000. Babino argues the district court should have granted his application because of newly discovered evidence that one of the jurors in his underlying criminal trial failed to admit knowing Babino’s co-defendants, suggesting implicit bias on the part of that juror. The State responds that Babino’s application is time-barred because he failed to assert a new ground of fact that could not have been raised within the statute of limitations so we need not reach the merits of his substantive claim. OPINION HOLDS: While Babino’s third PCR application was not time-barred, he failed to establish the underlying facts necessary to suggest implicit bias on the part of Juror 2. Like the district court, we cannot say Babino has shown that a new trial is warranted.
Case No. 22-1599: Scott Hampe v. Charles Gabus Motors, Inc., d/b/a Toyota of Des Moines, and Gadimina Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a Mid-Iowa Occupational Testing
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Joseph Seidlin, Judge. AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND REMANDED. Heard by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (24 pages)
Scott Hampe appeals the district court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of his employer and its occupational testing service on his statutory claims under Iowa Code section 730.5 (2019) and common- law claims of fraud, invasion of privacy, conspiracy, and reckless disregard, all arising out of a private employer drug test. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the entry of summary judgment for the testing service on all claims raised by Hampe. As to the employer, we affirm summary judgment on all claims except the claims that it violated the testing pool requirements of section 730.5(8)(a), the supervisor training requirements in section 730.5(9)(h), and the uniform disciplinary policy required by section 730.5(9)(b). We find that genuine issues of material fact remain on those claims, which we remand to the district court for further proceedings.
Case No. 22-1602: State of Iowa v. Jacob Lee Anthony Denniston
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, James D. Coil, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Doyle, S.J. (7 pages)
Jacob Denniston appeals after a jury found him guilty of indecent exposure for masturbating in a public place. OPINION HOLDS: Because substantial evidence supports the jury’s finding that Denniston was masturbating in a public place and Denniston failed to preserve error on his challenge to the weight of the evidence, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1681: State of Iowa v. Corey Robert Fenton
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Samantha Gronewald, Judge. CONVICTION CONDITIONALLY AFFIRMED, SENTENCE VACATED IN PART, AND REMANDED FOR FURTHER PROCEEDINGS. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (9 pages)
Corey Fenton appeals his conviction and sentence for solicitation of commercial sexual activity. OPINION HOLDS: Because the district court did not abuse its discretion by admitting a photo into evidence and substantial evidence supports the jury’s verdict, we conditionally affirm Fenton’s conviction. But the district court applied the incorrect standard in ruling on Fenton’s motion for new trial and imposed an illegal sentence by requiring Fenton to complete the sex offender treatment program as a term of his sentence. We therefore remand to the district court for further proceedings.
Case No. 22-1743: State of Iowa v. Tony Cecil Orr Jr.
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, David F. Staudt, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., Chicchelly, J., and Blane, S.J. Opinion by Blane, S.J. (11 pages)
Tony Orr Jr. appeals his convictions and sentences for intimidation with a dangerous weapon, going armed with intent, and person ineligible carrying a dangerous weapon. He argues (1) there was insufficient evidence to support his identification as the shooter, (2) the jury instruction regarding going armed with intent was a misstatement of the law, and (3) based upon the erroneous jury instruction the sentences for going armed with intent and intimidation with a dangerous weapon should have merged at sentencing. OPINION HOLDS: (1) sufficient evidence supports the jury verdicts; (2) error was not preserved as to the jury instruction and cannot be considered; and (3) going armed with intent is not a lesser included offense of intimidation with a dangerous weapon and need not be merged. We affirm the convictions and sentences.
Case No. 22-1859: In re Guardianship and Conservatorship of Kruse
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Craig E. Block, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Buller, J., and Danilson, S.J. Opinion by Buller, J. (8 pages)
An adult appeals the appointment of a guardian and conservator. OPINION HOLDS: Because substantial evidence supports the district court’s findings as to the adult’s incapacity and a limited guardianship or conservatorship would be inadequate, we affirm.
Case No. 22-1955: Matthew R. Dickey v. Iowa Department of Human Services
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Sarah Crane, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Ahlers and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (7 pages)
Matthew Dickey appeals the district court’s dismissal of his petition for judicial review for lack of jurisdiction. OPINION HOLDS: Because Dickey did not substantially comply with Iowa Code section 17A.19(2) (2022), we affirm the district court’s determination that it lacked jurisdiction over the case.
Case No. 22-1971: Dean Christiansen v. Christopher Eral, Rex Mueller, and City of Sioux City
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, Roger L. Sailer, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (16 pages)
Dean Christiansen appeals the district court’s dismissal of his state constitutional and common law tort claims against municipal employees and a municipality. OPINION HOLDS: Christiansen’s state constitutional tort claims no longer provide for recovery after Burnett v. Smith, 990 N.W.2d 289 (Iowa 2023). The district court correctly concluded that his negligence claim is exempted from liability under the emergency response exemption and, as those claims fail, his remaining common law tort claims also do not provide for recovery. We affirm.
Case No. 22-2045: In re Estate of Roethler
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Chickasaw County, Richard D. Stochl, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (12 pages)
David Roethler and Dale Roethler appeal the district court’s decision considering extrinsic evidence in interpreting the will of their late mother, Veronica Roethler. OPINION HOLDS: The will as written was not ambiguous. The district court improperly considered the testimony of the scrivener of the will to find Veronica’s intent was different from the language of the will. The court rewrote the will to include property in a trust that was not specified by the will to be included in the trust. We reverse the decision of the district court and remand for further proceedings.
Case No. 22-2067: Shirley Mae McGuire v. George Thomas McGuire
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Story County, John R. Flynn, Judge. APPEAL DISMISSED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Buller, J., and Gamble, S.J. Opinion by Gamble, S.J. (3 pages)
George McGuire appeals the extension of a protective order. OPINION HOLDS: Because the protective order has expired, this appeal is dismissed as moot.
Case No. 23-0049: In re Marriage of Asche
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Hancock County, Rustin Davenport, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (9 pages)
A father appeals a custody-modification order. He contests the district court finding a substantial change in circumstances and its decision to place physical care with the mother. OPINION HOLDS: We find the father waived his substantial-change argument and affirm the district court’s modification placing the children in the mother’s physical care.
Case No. 23-0064: Weber v. Jordahl
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Winneshiek County, Alan T. Heavens, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Tabor, P.J., and Ahlers and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (9 pages)
Granddaughters Melissa Weber and Shelly Donlon appeal the order dismissing their petition that contests the will and trust of their grandmother, claiming that Nancy and Wayne Jordahl exercised undue influence over her and tortiously interfered with their inheritance. They further challenge the exclusion of their rebuttal witness. OPINION HOLDS: Because the district court did not abuse its discretion in its evidentiary ruling, we affirm the exclusion of the granddaughters’ rebuttal witness. Because substantial evidence supports the district court’s findings, we affirm the denial of the undue-influence and tortious-interference-with-a-bequest claims.
Case No. 23-0167: In the Matter of the Estate of Ross C. River, Deceased.
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Jackson County, Mark R. Lawson, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (12 pages)
Jay Claeys appeals from the district court’s grant of summary judgment on his challenge to the will of Ross River. OPINION HOLDS: Because Claeys failed to present sufficient evidence to create a fact dispute that River generally and notoriously recognized Claeys as his son, the district court properly concluded as a matter of law that Claeys is not an heir to River under Iowa Code section 633.222 (2021). And so Claeys lacks standing to challenge the will.
Case No. 23-0260: Binneboese v. Binneboese
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Plymouth County, Patrick H. Tott, Judge. AFFIRMED AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Tabor and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, J. (14 pages)
Siblings appeal rulings in litigation over their brother’s exercise of an option to purchase farmland in their mother’s will. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find no abuse of discretion, we affirm the orders denying the motions to amend. Finding the court properly relied on equitable conversion, we affirm the partial summary judgment for the brother. And because the court’s treatment of the rent and interest was proper, we affirm those rulings. But because the district court ordered the siblings and their spouses—who were not joined as parties to the action—to convey marketable title, we remand with instructions for the district court to address that issue.
Case No. 23-0284: Denico Lydell Johnson v. State of Iowa
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Webster County, Rustin T. Davenport, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Buller, J., and Mullins, S.J. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (8 pages)
DeNico Johnson appeals from the district court’s denial of his application for postconviction relief. Johnson reiterates his claim, asserting trial counsel failed to inform him that if he engaged in sexual exploitation of a student without using a pattern, practice, or scheme, the offense was not a felony and, if known, he would have elected to go to trial rather than plead guilty. OPINION HOLDS: Because Johnson did not establish he would have insisted on going to trial if he was told about sexual exploitation by a school employee, an aggravated misdemeanor, his claim of ineffective assistance fails. We affirm.
Case No. 23-0306: Chad Alan Trullinger v. Carrie Lynn Lindman
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Marion County, Brad McCall, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (8 pages)
The father appeals from a custody decree placing physical care of a child with the mother. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the physical-care ruling, finding the child’s wishes, the mother’s support of the child’s relationship with the father, and a preference for stability and consistency with a primary caregiver support the district court’s decree.
Case No. 23-0329: In re the Marriage of Johnston
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Cerro Gordo County, James M. Drew, Judge. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (12 pages)
Joseph Johnston appeals from the order granting in part his petition to modify the physical-care, visitation, and child-support provisions of the decree dissolving his marriage to Renata Johnston. OPINION HOLDS: Joseph has not met his heavy burden to modify the current physical care placement with Renata to joint physical care. Nor does his changed employment justify a significant boost in his visitation. Yet we agree with him that his weekly Wednesday night visitation should be overnight rather than just for four hours as the district court ordered. Given our deference to the district court’s fact findings, we cannot say that the court erred in declining to modify the child-support award. And it did not abuse its discretion in awarding attorney fees to only Renata and not Joseph. We likewise decline to award Joseph appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-0337: In re Estate of Doherty
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Katie Ranes, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Schumacher and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Buller, J. (7 pages)
Paul Doherty, in his capacity as the administrator of the estate of John Doherty, appeals from the denial of his application for order requiring delivery of property. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, finding the funds from the sale of John’s home did not belong to the estate and the administrator’s other claims are not preserved.
Case No. 23-0358: In re Marriage of Cummings
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Linda M. Fangman, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (11 pages)
Kenneth Cummings appeals the physical care, child support, and property divisions of the decree dissolving his marriage to Katie Cummings. OPINION HOLDS: On our de novo review, we concur with the trial court’s decree placing the children in Katie’s physical care. As to child support and the division of assets and liabilities, we find no failure to do equity. So, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0479: Joseph Nicholas Itani v. State of Iowa
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, David Porter, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (7 pages)
Joseph Itani appeals the denial of his application for postconviction relief (PCR) after he pled guilty to enticing a minor under the age of sixteen with a sexual purpose. On appeal, he contends his trial counsel provided ineffective assistance by allowing him to plead guilty without a factual basis and failing to advise him of an available defense. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find Itani failed to establish his trial counsel was ineffective, we affirm the denial of his PCR application.
Case No. 23-0488: In re the Marriage of Balduchi
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Samantha Gronewald, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (6 pages)
Kenneth Balduchi appeals an order denying his motion to adjust withholding and suspension of his child support payments. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the district court’s denial of Kenneth’s motion to adjust withholding and suspension of his child support payments.
Case No. 23-0493: State of Iowa v. Jabri Malik Guy
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Brendan Greiner, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (7 pages)
The defendant appeals his sentence for operating while intoxicated, second offense. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find that the sentencing court did not rely on any unreasonable or untenable grounds in imposing a two-year term of imprisonment, we affirm the sentence.
Case No. 23-0532: State of Iowa v. Christopher Lee Bormann
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Floyd County, Chris Foy, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (5 pages)
A defendant appeals the imposition of consecutive sentences upon his criminal convictions. OPINION HOLDS: Finding no abuse of discretion, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0546: State of Iowa v. Urban Jettalle Morris
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Lee (North) County, John M. Wright, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Schumacher and Ahlers, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (5 pages)
Urban Morris appeals the sentence imposed following his guilty plea to assault causing bodily injury. OPINION HOLDS: The district court did not abuse its discretion or act on personal bias when sentencing Morris to jail and imposing a fine greater than the statutory minimum fine.
Case No. 23-0553: In the Interest of C.F., H.F., and N.F., Minor Children
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Humboldt County, Hans Becker, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Schumacher and Ahlers, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (6 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights under Iowa Code chapter 600A (2022), arguing termination is not in the children’s best interests because of the bonds between them and their half-sibling. OPINION HOLDS: Because we find termination of the mother’s parental rights is in the children’s best interests, we affirm.
Case No. 23-0718: Paul Damjanovic and Brittany Damjanovic, Individually and as Next Friends of E.D. and E.D. v. Aaron Hickle, Todd Wilson and Rick Robbins
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Floyd County, James M. Drew, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (6 pages)
The plaintiffs appeal the district court’s order granting summary judgment in favor of the defendants and dismissing the plaintiffs’ claims of gross negligence. OPINION HOLDS: Upon our review, we affirm the district court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of the defendants.
Case No. 23-0736: In re the Marriage of Oelberg
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pocahontas County, Kurt J. Stoebe, Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Langholz, J. (10 pages)
Clint Oelberg appeals from the modification order granting physical care of his son to Samantha Oelberg. OPINION HOLDS: On this record, we cannot conclude that Clint’s home, where American Sign Language is used exclusively, is better than Samantha’s bilingual home for their son’s physical, mental, and social development or for maintaining his connection to Deaf culture. And given the otherwise closely balanced interests, we agree that placing their son in Samantha’s home with his half-sisters is in his best interests. We thus affirm the district court’s decision and decline Samantha’s request for appellate attorney fees.
Case No. 23-0791: In re the Marriage of Peck
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Webster County, Adria Kester, Judge. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Buller and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (17 pages)
David Peck appeals the custody, visitation, and financial provisions of his decree of dissolution from Cheyenne Peck. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the grant of physical care to Cheyenne but modify the provision on visitation. We also affirm the child-support award but remand for the court to recalculate the amount and attach the child support guidelines worksheet. And we affirm the division of marital property, including the court’s determination that David dissipated marital assets. Finally, we reject David’s request for appellate attorney fees but award those to Cheyenne.
Case No. 23-0883: Mark Bro and Melody Bro v. Jerry Meling, Trustee of the Jerry John Meling Revocable Trust
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Tama County, Valerie L. Clay, Judge. AFFIRMED. Heard by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Langholz, JJ. Opinion by Schumacher, J. (8 pages)
Mark and Melody Bro appeal from adverse summary judgment on their claim against Jerry Meling, Trustee of the Jerry John Meling Revocable Trust. OPINION HOLDS: As the appellants’ second suit, filed three years after the dismissal of the first suit, is precluded by res judicata, we affirm the grant of summary judgment to the appellees.
Case No. 23-1329: In the Interest of J.V., Minor Child
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Susan Cox, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, P.J. (8 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights to his son. OPINION HOLDS: Finding that the State satisfied grounds for termination under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(h) (2023), termination was in his best interests under section 232.116(2), and the father did not offer clear and convincing proof that severing their bond would harm the son under section 232.116(3)(c), we affirm.
Case No. 23-1446: In the Interest of E.G. and W.G., Minor Children
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Brent Pattison, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (9 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her two children. She challenges the sufficiency of the evidence supporting a conclusion that the children could not be returned to her custody at the time of the termination hearing, argues termination is contrary to the children’s best interests, and requests additional time to work toward reunification. OPINION HOLDS: We affirm the termination of the mother’s parental rights.
Case No. 23-1496: In the Interest of C.S., Minor Child
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Clinton County, Kimberly K. Shepherd, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., Chicchelly, J., and Doyle, S.J. Opinion by Doyle, S.J. (5 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her child. The mother does not challenge the statutory grounds for termination, but suggests termination is not in the child’s best interests and states that the closeness of the parent-child relationship “argues against termination.” OPINION HOLDS: Clear and convincing evidence shows termination of the mother’s parental rights is in the child’s best interests. The mother failed to meet her burden to establish the permissive parent-child bond exception.
Case No. 23-1511: In the Interest of L.S., Minor Child
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Romonda Belcher, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (14 pages)
Intervenors appeal the juvenile court’s dispositional order in a child-in-need-of-assistance proceeding, which denied their motion for modification of placement of L.S. They argue the court erred in not finding the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services acted unreasonably and irresponsibly in reaching its placement decision, the department and juvenile court “impermissibly relied upon race and national origin” as factors in determining L.S.’s placement, and the court improperly adopted a permanency plan that did not exist. OPINION HOLDS: On our de novo review of the record, we find the intervenors did not meet their burden to prove that the department failed to act in the child’s best interests by unreasonably or irresponsibly failing to discharge its duties in selecting a suitable placement for the child. As a result, we affirm the juvenile court’s denial of their motion to modify placement and reject their ancillary claims.
Case No. 23-1512: In the Interest of S.Y., T.Y., A.Y., T.L., and A.L., Minor Children
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, Thomas J. Straka, Associate Juvenile Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., Buller, J., and Blane, S.J. Opinion by Blane, S.J. (5 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to five children, arguing she should have more time to work toward reunification and it was not in the children’s best interests to terminate her rights. OPINION HOLDS: The mother has unresolved substance-abuse, mental-health, and domestic violence issues going back to when the state first became involved with the family in 2014. We see no reason to believe the issues will be resolved in six months, so an extension is unwarranted and is not in the children’s best interests. And because of those unresolved issues, the best interests of the children require termination of the mother’s parental rights and permanent placement of the children in homes that can meet their needs. We affirm.
Case No. 23-1537: In the Interest of R.R.-A., Minor Child
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, Daniel Block, Associate Juvenile Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (10 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights to his child. The father contends the State failed to prove statutory grounds for termination, termination does not serve the child’s best interests, a permissive exception should be granted due to the parent-child bond, a six-month extension should have been granted, and a relative guardianship should have been granted. OPINON HOLDS: Because we find the statutory grounds are satisfied, termination and the denial of a guardianship are in the best interests of the child, and no permissive exceptions or extensions apply, we affirm termination of the father’s parental rights.
Case No. 23-1653: In the Interest of P.R., Minor Child
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County, Eric J. Nelson, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., Buller, J., and Carr, S.J. Opinion by Carr, S.J. (9 pages)
A mother appeals the juvenile court order terminating her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: We find the termination is supported by clear and convincing evidence, the State engaged in reasonable efforts to reunify the mother and child, termination of the mother’s parental rights is in the child’s best interests, and an extension of time is not warranted. We affirm the termination of the mother’s parental rights.
Case No. 23-1688: In the Interest of L.K., Minor Child
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Cynthia S. Finley, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (9 pages)
A mother appeals termination of her parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: Because statutory grounds for termination exist, the termination is in the best interests of the child, and no permissive exception applies, the parental rights of the mother are terminated. The district court appropriately denied extension of time to work toward unification.
Case No. 23-1695: In the Interest of A.D. and M.T., Minor Children
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Lucas County, Eric I. Howe, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Ahlers, J. (8 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. She challenges the statutory grounds authorizing termination, challenges whether termination is in the children’s best interests, requests we apply a permissive exception to termination, and claims her and the children’s due process rights were violated by removal of the children from her custody. OPINION HOLDS: The children could not be safely returned to the mother’s custody, so a statutory ground authorizing termination is satisfied. Termination is in the children’s best interests. We do not apply a permissive exception to termination. The mother does not have standing to raise a claim on the children’s behalf. The mother waived her due process claim, and any challenge to removal is now moot.
Case No. 23-1701: In the Interest of M.B., A.B., and N.B., Minor Children
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Clinton County, Kimberly Shepherd, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (4 pages)
The father of A.B. and N.B. appeals the order terminating his parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: The father does not challenge all grounds for termination relied on by the juvenile court, termination is in the children’s best interests, the father fails to show that termination will harm the children based on a close parent-child relationship, and delaying termination will not change the outcome. We therefore affirm.
Case No. 23-1712: In the Interest of R.R., Minor Child
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Wapello County, Richelle Mahaffey, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (5 pages)
The father appeals the termination of his parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: Because the father has not challenged termination under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(h) (2023), termination is in the child’s best interests, and the father has not demonstrated that the need for removal will not exist after a six-month extension, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1752: In the Interest of J.R., Minor Child
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Harrison County, Justin R. Wyatt, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Badding and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Badding, J. (4 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(e) and (h) (2023). OPINION HOLDS: We affirm, finding the father’s petition on appeal insufficient to facilitate appellate review of most of his claims and additional time would not alleviate the need for removal.
Case No. 23-1755: In the Interest of A.S., Minor Child
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Wapello County, Richelle Mahaffey, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (9 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of parental rights to her child. OPINION HOLDS: The mother waived her challenge to the reasonable efforts of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to facilitate reunification by not raising it prior to appeal, and we do not find that the department should offer six more months of services. We also decline to order a guardianship instead of termination and find that the mother has failed to demonstrate that the strength of her bond with the child makes termination not in the child’s best interests. We affirm.
Case No. 23-1831: In the Interest of J.R., Minor Child
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Linn County, Cynthia S. Finley, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Schumacher and Badding, JJ. Opinion by Bower, C.J. (9 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her child. OPINION HOLDS: Because clear and convincing evidence supports a statutory ground for termination, additional time is not warranted, termination is in the best interests of the child, and no exception applies, we affirm.
Case No. 23-1857: In the Interest of L.H., Minor Child
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Boone County, Ashley M. Beisch, District Associate Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS. Considered by Greer, P.J., and Ahlers and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Greer, P.J. (13 pages)
A minor child who was adjudicated in need of assistance appeals the permanency ruling giving the mother an additional six months to work toward reunification; the child asks that termination proceedings be initiated immediately. OPINION HOLDS: Because delaying permanency is not in the child’s best interests, we reverse the juvenile court’s grant of additional time to work toward reunification; we remand with directions that termination proceedings be initiated as to the mother and this minor child. We do not disturb the permanency rulings as to the other siblings.
Case No. 23-1914: In the Interest of K.S. and O.S., Minor Children
Filed Jan 10, 2024
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Clinton County, Kimberly Shepherd, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Schumacher, P.J., and Chicchelly and Buller, JJ. Opinion by Chicchelly, J. (5 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights to his two children, contending that termination is not in the children’s best interests and we should decline to terminate based on a permissive exception. OPINION HOLDS: Because it is in the best interests of the children and no permissive exceptions prevent termination, we affirm the termination of the father’s parental rights.