AMES, Iowa (KCRG) – Prosecutors have filed a motion to dismiss the charges against at least 4 individuals who were charged as part of a wide investigation into sports gambling among student-athletes. In a motion filed by the lawyers for Eyioma Uwazurike, Isaiah Lee, Paniro Johnson, and Jirehl Brock last week, they contended that the charges stemmed from an “illegal search” and that the players cooperated with officials under a false promise of leniency. Their attorney previously a state special agent of placing a “warrantless GeoFence around a freshman/sophomore dorm at the University of Iowa to investigate underage gambling without any tips, complaints, or evidence that underage gambling was occurring…” The filing says that the agent used the GeoFence software “without reasonable cause” to give him access to see online betting apps that were being used and that he targeted this particular facility because it had “restricted access to athletes, coaching staff, and support personnel.” Now, in a new filing, the State says that it “no longer believes further prosecution in this matter is in the interests of justice.” and that DCI may have gone beyond its scope and misused the GeoFence software for its investigation.
DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) – On Monday, March 4, the Dubuque Emergency Communications Center will offer a new service that will allow 911 callers to text and livestream with emergency dispatchers. Officials say the software platform ‘Prepared Assist’ will enable its dispatch center to livestream, receive photos and videos, and receive location information from mobile callers in real-time. Emergency callers should still begin by calling 911. Officials say the new service is completely voluntary and participation in the new service requires the consent of the caller. If the caller agrees, they will receive a livestream link via text from the dispatcher, enabling them to activate live video or send photos and details about their exact location.
LINN COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) – On Saturday, March 2, emergency responders from various agencies rushed to 1410 Waubeek Rd. in Linn County following reports of a structure fire. The incident occurred at approximately 10:54 a.m. Upon arrival, responders found a vacant house fully engulfed in flames, with nearby brush also ignited. The structure sustained significant damage and was declared a total loss. There were no reported injuries during the incident. The property owner, Steven Nielsen of Lisbon, was not present when the fire broke out, and the cause of the fire remains unknown at this time.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Iowa City Animal Services received a report of a cat bite. The incident happened around 8:20 p.m. Friday in the 1200 block of Duck Creek Drive. The cat is described as having mostly black fur with some white fur on its chest and head and was wearing a collar that displayed the name, “Sir Cady/Kady Mittens.” Iowa City Animal Services is seeking information on the rabies vaccination status of the cat. If anyone has any information, please contact Iowa City Animal Services directly at 319-356-5295 or the Iowa City Police Department at 319-356-6800.
