MADISON COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) – The Madison County Treasurer was arrested on Friday. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office said Amanda Devos, 37, of Winterset, has been charged with Felonious Misconduct in Office, Tampering with Records, Fraudulent Practices 3rd Degree, and Theft 3rd Degree. The charges stem from her work as the county treasurer. State Auditor Rob Sand said his office is aware of multiple issues in Madison County, and he is working with local officials on appropriate courses of action. The investigation is ongoing. Additional charges are pending. No additional details have been released.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – The man accused of sexually assaulting and strangling a woman outside an Iowa City bar in October 2023 was found guilty on Friday. Anthony Cotner Jr., 26, of Cedar Rapids, strangled and sexually assaults a victim in the 500 block of E College Street at around 1:44 a.m. on Oct. 7, 2023, according to police. Investigators said witness testimony and video surveillance footage showed Cotner Jr. was was in the area. They also gathered DNA from the victim’s clothing, which was matched to Cotner Jr. The jury deliberated for about three hours before returning a verdict of guilty to Sexual Assault in the 2nd Degree. He faces a sentence of up to 25 years in prison. A sentencing hearing is set for early April.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – A bill in the statehouse would make putting someone else’s personal information online an aggravated misdemeanor. It’s commonly known as “doxxing” — posting personal details about another person, like their phone number or address, with the intent to threaten or intimidate them. Senate File 35, introduced by Sen. Charlie McClintock, would include doxxing into Iowa’s definition of harassment, making it easier to prosecute. Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks helped write the legislation. He says doxxing has a real impact on its victims. “There are true victims out there that, you know, lives have been upturned because of this and that they end up living in fear because they’re being contacted by complete strangers because their personal information has been posted online. And so there’s a lot of innocent people here that are being targeted,” Maybanks said. The bill made its way out of a Senate subcommittee this week. Next, it will face debate in the full Senate.
FORT MADISON, Iowa (KCRG) – State Representative Martin Graber (R-Fort Madison) died of a heart attack on Friday. He was 72 years old. Graber was first elected to the Iowa House in 2020. He represented House District 100. He leaves behind a wife, two daughters and two grandchildren. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds released the following statement: “Kevin and I are heartbroken at the loss of our friend and colleague Representative Martin Graber. He served with distinction not only as a representative for his constituents in the Iowa House, but also as a career soldier in the Iowa National Guard where he held the rank of Brigadier General (Retired). He was passionate about his community, his family, and his faith. Martin was the best of us, and we send our heartfelt condolences to his wife of 49 years, Coni, his daughters, and his grandchildren.”
