TAMA COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) – Tama County Sheriff Casey Schmidt says a 19-year-old man is facing multiple charges following an investigation involving sexual exploitation of children. Ronald Wyatt Langbecker Jr., 19, was arrested and charged with 10 counts of Purchasing or Possessing Depiction of a Minor in a Sex Act. This is his first time being charged with the offenses. All are Class D felonies. Authorities executed a search warrant in Toledo on July 30. Criminal complaints say Langbecker had sexually explicit photos of girls between the ages of 4 and 10. Sheriff Schmidt called the allegations “extremely disturbing” and did not share additional information to protect the victims.
NEWTON, Iowa (KCCI/KCRG) – At least 15 people have been transported to central Iowa hospitals following a possible chemical exposure incident at the Newton Correctional Facility. The possible exposure incident happened on Wednesday morning, according to the Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC). A Newton Fire official told KCCI 15 people had been transported across four different hospitals. Their conditions are unknown at this time.
WINNESHIEK COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) – The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a string of burglary incidents and is advising caution to residents. The sheriff’s office filed felony charges against 41-year-old Nathan Grossman of Canton, Minnesota after he allegedly stole a truck from a rural farm residence. The sheriff’s office believes Grossman was not acting alone. The office, as well as the Filmore County (Minnesota) Sheriff’s Office, are pursuing leads to make additional arrests.
URBANDALE, Iowa (KCCI/KCRG) – A proposed Buc-ee’s Travel Center in Central Iowa is facing a hurdle. The Urbandale City Council has rejected an amendment to change the land use for where the gas station and convenience store would be built. The 20-acre property near Northwest 100th Street and Northpark Drive is owned by former Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie. He plans to sell the land to Buc-ee’s. The council’s biggest concerns include traffic. One council member called it a tourist attraction. Buc-ee’s Real Estate Director Stan Beard said their engineers would mitigate traffic and address any long-term concerns for the interstate area. The City Council says they need more information before making a final decision about the project.
