DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) – A former Dubuque priest accused of sexually abusing altar boys has died at 69 years of age. Father Leo Riley was the associate pastor of Resurrection Parish in Dubuque from 1984 to 1986. He was serving as the priest of a church in Florida from 2005 until last year. In October 2024, three men filed civil lawsuits against Riley, accusing him of sexual abuse. The lawsuits allege Riley sexually abused the men when they served as altar boys at the Dubuque church. A similar case against Riley was dropped in Iowa due to the statute of limitations expiring. A suggestion of death has been filed in both Sarasota and Charlotte counties in Florida. Funeral arrangements have not been confirmed at this time.
WASHINGTON (KCRG) – The U.S. House advanced a health care bill Wednesday introduced by Iowa Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks. The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act passed 213-209, with only one Republican voting against it. Miller-Meeks says the bill would lower premiums by 11%, reform Pharmacy Benefit Managers, and give small businesses more say in health benefits through Association Health Plans. The bill does not address Affordable Care Act subsidies that expire at the end of the year. Nearly 137,000 Iowans receive assistance through the ACA, also known as Obamacare. If those subsidies expire, the research group KFF expects insurance premiums to increase significantly—potentially doubling for some people. The vote came as some moderate Republicans signed a Democrat petition to extend the ACA subsidies separately. The legislation still must pass the Senate.
DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) – A man has made a plea deal for a deadly hit and run. Court documents show Bailey Foht, 26, is pleading guilty to Homicide by Vehicle-Operating While Intoxicated and Driving While Barred. He’ll be sentenced in February. The state is recommending a 27-year sentence. Investigators say Foht hit 38-year-old Kalissa Reeder on June 12 as she was crossing Locust Street. Foht left the scene, but was found and arrested the next day.
INDEPENDENCE, Iowa (KCRG) – A man was arrested Wednesday morning in Independence after police say he threatened to kill someone. Robert Smith, 28, was arrested on one count of attempted murder and a second-offense count of domestic abuse. Independence Police were called to a home on Fourth Street Southwest for a domestic disturbance. A criminal complaint says an argument broke out between Smith’s girlfriend and Smith’s mother’s boyfriend. Investigators say Smith threatened to kill the man and made stabbing motions at him with the knife. Police say Smith injured the two in the altercation. The man was taken to the hospital for his injuries and was released. Smith faces up to 25 years in prison for the attempted murder charge and up to 2 years for domestic abuse assault.
