DECORAH, Iowa (KCRG) – On Friday, officials arrested a 47-year-old man on two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. Investigators say in June 2022, a 20-year-old victim and her mother discovered cameras in the victim’s bedroom. Kelly Bachelder admitted to them via text message that he was the one who placed the camera in the room. Both the mother and victim contacted police and also spoke of an incident when she was in high school, where an employee of Bachelder warned the two of them of a video found on Bachelder’s work computer. That video reportedly showed the victim and her younger sister changing their clothes. It was dismissed by the victim and mother at the time due to lack of proof, and by the fact that the employee was fired later in the year. In July 2022, officials conducted a search warrant on all electronic media devices in Bachelder’s possession. Bachelder was eventually charged with Invasion of Privacy, but following a guilty plea deal, he was convicted of Stalking and sentenced to 2 years probation. Now, on May 10th, Decorah Police filed new charges relating to the June 2022 investigation. Bachedler has been charged with two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. Each charge faces a possible punishment of up to 5 years in prison if convicted.
HIAWATHA, Iowa (KCRG) – A study commissioned by officials in Hiawatha shows the city could support a hotel. Core Distinction Group, a Wisconsin-based company, conducted the study. The company proposed the hotel could be developed near the intersection of I-380 and Boyson Road. The city paid $9,000 for the study. Hiawatha’s city manager says they wanted to find out if the market could support the hotel. The company looked into the city and surrounding area’s overall economic condition and market demand. City leaders say bringing a new hotel to the area is one of their priorities.
WINTHROP, Iowa (KCRG) – On Friday, officials arrested a 32-year-old man on charges stemming from a shooting on April 27, 2024. Buchanan County Health Center Emergency Room staff reported they had a 56-year-old adult male in their ER with a gunshot wound to the abdomen that day and contacted officials. Buchanan County Health Center went into a precautionary lockdown because not all parties involved were accounted for at the time. Sheriff’s Deputies conducted an investigation saying the incident occurred at a residence in the 200 block of West 220th Street in Winthrop. Investigators say the incident stemmed from an argument between the victim and 32-year-old Ashton Wayne Root that spanned the course of at least two days leading up to the shooting. Following an investigation, Ashton Root was arrested and charged with Attempted Murder. The incident remains under investigation.
ONAWA, Iowa (KTIV/KCRG) – A 48-year-old man has been arrested and charged with first degree murder after a fatal shooting Friday evening. According to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, a 911 call came in just before 6 p.m. of a shooting in the 1900 block of Granite Street in Onawa, Iowa. When first responders arrived, they found the deceased body of 47-year-old Stacey Allen. The Monona County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jamie Allen and he was transported to the Monona County Jail.
