MAURICE, Iowa (KCAU) — The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has charged a Maurice couple, one of whom was the Sioux County Deputy Sheriff, with seven counts of neglect of a dependent person.

On Thursday, Feb. 22, former deputy sheriff Caleb Haverdink and Jill Haverdink of Maurice were charged with seven counts of Neglect of a Dependent Person, Class C Felonies; two counts of Mandatory Reporter Violations, Simple Misdemeanors; and one count of False Report to Law Enforcement, a Simple Misdemeanor, according to a release from the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office.

The charges come as a result of an Iowa DCI investigation. According to the initial complaint, both Haverdinks, who are foster parents, allegedly “had prior knowledge of a child in their care committing numerous acts of sexual abuse and sexualized acts against other children [under their care].” However, they allegedly did not take action to protect the other children from the abuse.

When the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office received the complaint, they asked for assistance from the DCI and the Clay County, Iowa Attorney’s Office in order to avoid a conflict of interest.

Following the DCI investigation, the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office held an internal investigation with an outside investigator. They concluded that the conduct of Caleb Haverdink, who was deputy sheriff at the time, “was contrary to the mission of the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office.” He was then removed from his position on Feb. 14.

“Haverdink’s employment was terminated based solely upon his off-duty conduct which was contrary to established policies and that which brought reproach upon himself and our agency,” the release states.

The Sioux County Sheriff’s Office also emphasized that these criminal charges are only allegations.