FORT MADISON, Iowa – On Friday, June 2, 2023, the Iowa Board of Corrections voted unanimously in support of the appointment of Michelle Waddle as the next warden of the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women (ICIW) in Mitchellville, IA. The appointment was recommended to the Board by a department hiring committee.

Waddle began her career with the Iowa Department of Corrections at the Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility in 1998. She has served in numerous roles during her tenure including treatment services director at the Iowa State Penitentiary, associate warden of treatment at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center, and most recently as deputy warden of the Anamosa State Penitentiary.

Commenting on the Board’s approval, IDOC Director Beth Skinner said, “Michelle is such an incredible leader within our correctional system. Her years of experience and dedication to this department’s mission will serve ICIW well for years to come. I have nothing but confidence in her abilities and I look forward to her time leading our outstanding team members at ICIW.”

(Sidney, Iowa) – The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office reports deputies on Sunday, arrested 39-year-old Tressa Dawn Haughton and 28-year-old Joseph William Michael Haughton, both of Hamburg, in connection with a narcotics distribution investigation in Hamburg.

Tressa Haughton was charged with Distribution of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class C Felony, and three counts of Conspiracy to distribute more than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class B Felony.

Joseph Haughton was charged with three counts of Conspiracy to distribute more than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class B Felony; Possession of Marijuana 3rd or subsequent offense, an Aggravated Misdemeanor; and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a Simple Misdemeanor.

Tressa Haughton

Joseph Haughton

Both were being held on $100,000 bond in the Fremont County Jail. On May 12th, Joseph Haughton was released from prison on separate charges out of Page County. (Photos provided by the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office)

(Radio Iowa) – [UPDATED] Storm Lake police say they charged a 17-year-old girl Friday with solicitation to commit murder after she attempted to hire a hit man on the parody website “rent a hitman.com.” The websites webmaster called police to say that someone had visited the site on two occasions and had attempted to hire someone to murder a seven year old child in Storm Lake. An undercover police officer posed as a hitman and made contact with the suspect and confirmed she wanted the young child killed.

Police says the evidence obtained throughout the investigation led them to believe the solicitation was a credible threat towards the victim. The victim and the victim’s family were not harmed and were unaware of the potential threat.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – Officials with the Glenwood Police Department report two Glenwood residents were arrested on separate charges, Saturday. 42-year-old Deann Kuhl was arrested for driving under suspension and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her total bond was set at $600. She posted bond and was released.

And, 42-year-old Zachary Basye was arrested Saturday for OWI/1st offense. He posted a $1,000 bond and was released.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County (IA) Sheriff’s Office reports two arrests. On Saturday, deputies arrested 42-year-old Christopher Holz, of Lewis, on warrants for Controlled Substance Violations and OWI 1st Offense.  Holz was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held.

And, on May 30th, 2023, Cass County Deputies arrested 29-year-old Jackie Harris, of Lewis, on the charge of Domestic Abuse Assault 1st Offense.  Harris was transported to the Cass County Jail where she was booked and held pending her later release on her own recognizance.

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Sheriff’s Office reports one arrest took place over the weekend. 27-year-old Santiago X Serrano, of Joliet, IL, was pulled over for speeding 79-mph in a 70 mph zone on Interstate 80 eastbound, near the Greenfield exit. The traffic stop took place at around 4:43-a.m., Saturday. There were three occupants in the vehicle, a 2017 Toyota sedan. An Adair County Deputy conducting the traffic stop reported the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

After the occupants of the car were asked to step out of the vehicle, and during a subsequent probable cause search, the deputy located multiple THC products in Serrano’s luggage, and in the trunk of the vehicle. Serrano also had a pen on his person used for inhaling and introducing THC oils into the human body. Serrano took full ownership of the products, and acknowledged he bought the large amount to last him for the summer, while he was back in Illinois, from California.

The products ranged from THC oils, dab, to bud marijuana. Serrano was issued a citation to appear in court on charges of Possession of Marijuana and Possession of drug paraphernalia. He also received a written warning for speeding. Serrano was released at the scene with his citation.