Update: Death Investigation Underway in Oskaloosa

Posted on March 2, 2018March 2, 2018 by Rick Watts

Update: This article has been updated to reflect information provided during a news conference with the Oskaloosa Police Department at 11:30 AM on Friday, March 2.

(OSKALOOSA, Iowa) – An investigation is underway after a man died last night following a stabbing incident in Oskaloosa. Oskaloosa Police Chief Jake McGee, along with Iowa DCI investigator Mike Motsinger, have confirmed the death of William Penn University student Marquis Todd. Officials said during a news conference that Todd was stabbed after a minor vehicular accident on North 3rd Street in Oskaloosa on Thursday night. Todd’s friends then took him to the Jiffy gas station in Oskaloosa. No one has been taken into custody yet and the investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement did not provide any names of persons of interest during the time of the news conference.

University officials confirmed the death of Todd via a letter signed by University President John Ottosson, which was published by KCCI:

Dear Penn Family,

I write this note with a heavy heart. Last night, there was an incident in town that led to the death of a member of one of our family, student Marquis Todd. Details of the incident are still unfolding and under investigation. It is known that the other individuals in this incident were not affiliated with the University.

The University is cooperating fully with the Oskaloosa Police Department with their investigation and in turn, the OPD is keeping the University apprised of the situation as details unfold.

William Penn University Counseling Services, Campus Ministry, and Crisis Intervention Services will be on campus today and will be available to students, faculty, and staff. For more information regarding these resources, please contact Tyne Smith at smitht@wmpenn.edu or 641-673-1703. Her office of located on the main floor of the Dana M. Atkins Memorial Union. To contact Campus Ministry for support, please call Ron Bryan at 641-660-9717.

Sincerely,
John Ottosson
President
William Penn University

The Iowa DCI is assisting the Oskaloosa Police Department in the investigation.

–By Hailey Brown & Emery Songer, KBOE/KMZN

Oskaloosa Police Chief Jake McGee and DCI investigator Mike Motsinger hold a press conference on March 2, 2018. Photo by Emery Songer, KMZN/KBOE.

Osky Man Charged With Attempted Murder

Posted on January 9, 2018January 9, 2018 by Rick Watts

The following is a news release sent to KMZN on behalf of the Oskaloosa Police Department:

(Oskaloosa, Iowa)–On Friday Jan. 5, 2018 the Oskaloosa Police Department obtained an arrest warrant charging Deon Damon Freeman, age 26, of Oskaloosa, Iowa with attempted murder. The defendant was later located at his residence and taken into custody on this charge. The charge of attempted murder stems from an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the reported December 19, 2017 shooting that occurred at the intersection of Pella Avenue and Green Street in Oskaloosa. During the shooting the defendant advised police officers that he fired six rounds from his handgun into the back of another vehicle that was occupied by two individuals.

The defendant was taken to the Mahaska County Jail and released into their custody with a $100,000 cash only bond. Attempted Murder is a class “B” felony punishable by up to 25 years in a state penitentiary.

This investigation is ongoing and further charges are pending.

Criminal charges are merely an accusation and the defendant is innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Arrest Made For Sexual Abuse Against Young Teen

Posted on December 7, 2017 by Rick Watts

The Oskaloosa Police Department received a complaint on November 26 that a thirteen year old child had been sexually abused by an eighteen year old man. The report indicated that sexual acts had been done to the child on November 25 in Oskaloosa.

On December 7, 2017 the Oskaloosa Police charged and arrested Storm H. Babcock, age eighteen, of Oskaloosa with Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree. Babcock was subsequently taken to the Mahaska County Jail.

Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree is a class C felony punishable by up to ten years in a state penitentiary.

It should be noted a criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Four Oskaloosa Employees Recognized At City Council

Posted on December 6, 2017 by Rick Watts

A special acknowledgement presentation occurred during the Monday, December 4th, City Council meeting. Spearheaded by Mayor David Krutzfeldt, four Oskaloosa employees were recognized for their dedication to the city and community.

“We talk about longevity and the importance of it,” said Mayor Krutzfeldt. “The institutional memory of the people that have been our employees for five years 10, 15, 20 plus years, how that affects the culture and how the city works.” Krutzfeldt continued to say that it goes just beyond the years, it also deals with the way to train younger employees and changing with technology. Stating that there are continuous changes and thus continuous improvements.

First to be recognized was Susan Hasso, the Administrative Assistant of the Oskaloosa Public Library for 20 years.

Amy Miller, the City Clerk and part of the Finance Department, was awarded for 25 years of service.

Police Chief John ‘Jake’ McGee was recognized for 30 years of service to the city of Oskaloosa and the Oskaloosa Police Department.

Finally, David Christensen Fire Captain with the Oskaloosa Fire Department, was recognized for 35 years of service.

Mayor Krutzfeldt continued to make comments regarding the instrumental individuals in this community. “These are the people that become the backbone of the culture of Oskaloosa.” Krutzfeldt continued, “So, over the years, they’ve had to take the values, what we are trying to do as a city – especially in administration – but also in the services that people see. ‘This is what we want to do, we want to give the very best service we can.’ So the people of Oskaloosa can be proud and appreciative of the efforts thats coming from the city.”

Juveniles Start Fire in William Penn Gymnasium

Posted on November 18, 2017 by Rick Watts

On Saturday November 11, 2017 at approximately 12:37 p.m. the Oskaloosa Police Department and Oskaloosa Fire Department were dispatched to 201 Trueblood Avenue at William Penn University in reference to a smoke report.

William Penn Security contacted the Mahaska County 911 Center and advised that the old upper basketball gymnasium was full of smoke. William Penn Security activated the smoke alarms and the building was evacuated.

Upon emergency services arrival at the scene it was discovered that a fire had been deliberately set in a return air vent located at the north east corner of the gymnasium. The fire was extinguished by emergency personnel and shortly thereafter persons were allowed to return into the building.

On Tuesday November 14, 2017 the Oskaloosa Police Department charged two twelve year old male juveniles from Oskaloosa with Arson in the Second Degree. Both juveniles have been referred to Juvenile Court Services as required by law.

Arson in the Second Degree is a class C felony punishable by up to ten years in a state penitentiary. At the time of this release the Oskaloosa Police Department has not received an estimate for damages from the Arson reported on November 11, 2017.

It should be noted a criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Oskaloosa PD, FTC Urge Customers To Be Cautious This Holiday Season

Posted on November 14, 2017 by Rick Watts

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but it’s also the season to be cautious about spending your hard-earned money and avoiding the heartache of having your gifts stolen from your car or home! Following these tips can help keep the “happy” in your holidays.

While shopping, keep your wallet or purse with you at all times. In a matter of seconds, an unattended purse or wallet can be taken. While carrying your purse or wallet, keep it close to your body and keep all zippers and flaps closed.
Place your purchased items in a sack so people cannot see what you have while you are shopping or walking to your car. Place your items in the trunk or in the vehicle where they are not visible. Always make sure your car is locked.
Whenever you leave your residence, make sure all the doors are locked. This would include times when you are in the backyard or away from doors that are not visible to you.
Locking the doors to residences and vehicles will greatly reduce the amount of thefts and burglaries.

With some effort, you’ll find great shopping deals. But it also takes effort to make sure you know exactly what you’re buying, whether the deal you found is truly a good one, and the rules for returns.

Before you buy, make sure it’s a good product at a good price from a good seller. Is it a quality product or something that’s simply cheap? Cheaper isn’t always a better bargain! What do you know about the retailer – is this a store or website you trust? They’re there to make the sale, but are they also willing to provide service? Before you buy, check around and make sure it’s really a good product and a good deal.

Take your ads with you. If you’re headed to a store, take the store’s ad with you. Make sure the product and price match the ad.
Always keep receipts and paperwork! Most stores will not make refunds without a receipt, and many won’t exchange without a proof of purchase. If you really think you need a service contract and end up paying for one, be sure to save the paperwork. (Find out more about service contracts at www.FTC.gov).
Returns and layaways: Make sure you know a store’s policy on returns or layaways before you make a purchase. Remember, there is no state law that requires stores to give a refund, exchange, or credit for merchandise that is returned or taken off layaway (unless the store advertises that it accepts such returns, or unless an article is defective or was misrepresented.) Also keep in mind that Iowa’s three-day- right-to- cancel law only applies to door-to- door sales, or sales made away from a seller’s usual place of business. In short, most refund policies are up to individual retailers.
Buying online: Be sure to shop with reputable companies. Make sure the seller lists an address or toll-free number, just in case you have a problem. Be sure purchases are refundable in case you are not satisfied. Get all details on shipping and handling fees, refund and return policies, and complaint procedures. Print out and keep records of your purchase. Use only “secure” websites (secure websites utilize an https:// prefix for their website address, with the “s” signifying that it’s secure). Pay by credit card – avoid using a debit card or check, so you can dispute the bill and withhold payment if necessary. Be wary of online classified ads and auctions, and avoid providing financial information directly to classified ad sellers.
Mail orders: If you order gifts by mail, by telephone, or through a website, you have certain protections. Federal law requires the seller to ship your purchase within 30 days, unless the offer or ad specifies a later date. If there is a delay, the seller must notify you, allow you a chance to cancel your order, and send a full refund if you choose to cancel. Don’t send cash or use your debit card – a credit card gives you the most safeguards
Gift certificates and gift cards: If you’re thinking of buying a gift certificate or gift card, check the retailer’s policy. Find out if the retailer will give a credit or cash return if the purchase price is less than the value of the gift certificate, and any other terms the store places on the certificates. Money on a gift card cannot expire for at least five years from
the date of purchase, or from the last date you loaded any additional funds onto the card. Retailers can charge inactivity fees only after a card has been inactive for at least one year, and they can charge you only once per month. The card’s expiration date must be clearly disclosed on the card, and fees must be clearly disclosed on the card or its packaging.

For more information, you may contact the Oskaloosa Police Department at 673-3201. You may also file a complaint or get more information by contacting the Iowa Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, Hoover Building, Des Moines, Iowa 50319. Call 515-281- 5926, or outside Des Moines call, toll-free, 1-888- 777-4590. Their website is www.IowaAttorneyGeneral.gov.

Oskaloosa Police Arrest Man On Numerous Theft and Burglary Charges

Posted on November 7, 2017 by Rick Watts

In the early morning hours of Sunday, November 5th, the Oskaloosa Police Department received a complaint of a male breaking into vehicles in the 500 block of High Ave West. Officers conducted an investigation into this incident and made an arrest of a male identified as 22-year-old Jacob Tyrone Blackstone Jr.

At this time Blackstone Jr. has been charged with: Theft in the Second Degree, Theft in the Fifth Degree, 3 counts of Burglary in the Third Degree, Unlawful possession of prescription drug, Carrying weapons, Attempted burglary in the Third Degree, 2 counts of possession of a controlled substance and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

The police department is still taking reports from citizens that may have had items stolen from their vehicles. If you believe you may have had items stolen, please contact the Oskaloosa Police Department non-emergency 641-672-2557.

This is an ongoing investigation.

This is a good reminder to ALWAYS lock your vehicles and remove the keys.

** A criminal charge is merely an accusation and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless
proven guilty.

Reports of “Grandparent” Phone Scam in Oskaloosa

Posted on November 3, 2017November 3, 2017 by Rick Watts

Following a series of recent complaints and reports of criminals targeting older Iowans by telephone and stealing thousands of dollars, the Oskaloosa Police Department would like to warn residents about an apparent resurgence of the so-called “grandparent scam.”

The Police Department has received several reports of callers targeting older residents by claiming to be a grandchild (a niece, nephew or other relative) with an emergency need for cash. The callers try to convince their victims to immediately wire a large amount of money to help pay a sudden personal crisis, such as a car accident, medical emergency or even bail money. These scams surprise their victims and convey a sense of a relative facing an immediate need, so victims don’t have time to check out the story. They prey on older victims who would do anything to help their loved one.

Common scenarios include:

A grandparent receives a phone call (or sometimes an email) from a grandchild. If it is a phone call, it’s often late at night or early in the morning when most people aren’t thinking that clearly. Usually the person claims to be traveling, in another state or in a foreign country, and has gotten into a bad situation, like being arrested for drugs, being mugged, in an accident or arrested, and needs money wired ASAP. And sometimes the caller doesn’t want his or her parents told.
Sometimes, instead of the “grandchild” making the phone call, the criminal pretends to be an arresting police officer, a lawyer, a doctor at a hospital, or some other person. And we’ve also received complaints about the phony grandchild talking first and then handing the phone over to an accomplice…to further spin the fake tale.
We’ve seen military families victimized; after perusing a soldier’s social networking site, someone will contact the soldier’s grandparents, sometimes claiming that a problem came up during military leave that requires money is sent to an address.
They want you to pay to collect your winnings. Legitimate sweepstakes don’t require you to pay insurance, taxes or shipping to claim what you’ve won. Scammers pretend to be with banks, and well-known companies like Publishers Clearing House to make you think it’s the real deal. No matter how convincing the reasons NEVER SEND MONEY TO CLAIM A PRIZE.
They claim to be with a government agency. They may try to get you to send money saying they’re with the IRS, US Customs, or US Marshals Service. They might even use a real employee’s name and call from a Washington DC phone number. But it’s a number they’ve faked. Contrary to scammers’ lines, NO FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY supervises or runs sweepstakes.

To avoid being victimized:

Resist the pressure to act quickly.
Try to contact your grandchild or another family member to determine whether or not the call is legitimate.
NEVER wire money based on a request made over the phone or in an e-mail…especially overseas. Wiring money is like giving cash-once you send it, you can’t get it back. Don’t send a check or money order by overnight delivery or courier, either. And don’t deposit a check and wire money back – the check will turn out to be a fake.

Have conversations with your older relatives about the “grandparents scam” and other telephone scams that are targeting older residents. Encourage older relatives to screen their calls, not answer the phone to unknown numbers or unknown persons. Scammers want that personal contact to play upon the immediate need. No matter how legitimate it may sound or how important it may seem to act immediately, take the time to check it out.

Register your phones and your older relatives phone numbers with the NATIONAL DO NOT CALL REGISTRY at www.donotcall.gov or their phone number is 888-382- 1222.

Oskaloosa citizens are encouraged to contact the Oskaloosa Police Department at 641-672- 2557 or the Consumer Protection Division at 888-777- 4590 if they feel they’ve been a victim of such a scam.

Drug Take Back in Mahaska County Weighs In

Posted on October 30, 2017 by Rick Watts

The Oskaloosa Police Department in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration and Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office hosted the county installment of the state, and nationwide, Drug Take Back Day.

Held at the Mahaska Drug location in Oskaloosa, the Oskaloosa Police Department received a substantial amount of prescription drugs that were unwanted, expired, dangerous or deemed unsafe.

“We collected 150 pounds of prescription drugs at this event,” said Oskaloosa Police Chief Jake McGee. “This would be in addition to the 302 pounds that we collected in April of this year.”

On April 29, 2017, the state of Iowa collected 11,774 pounds on National Take Back Day and over 450 tons country wide.

The next National Drug Take Back Day will be in April of 2018.

Oskaloosa Man Arrested on Sexual Abuse

Posted on October 27, 2017 by Rick Watts

On Thursday, October 26, the Oskaloosa Police Department arrested and charged Adam Wesley Sunkle age 43, of Oskaloosa with sexual abuse in the third degree.

The initial complaint was filed on September 25. The Oskaloosa Police Department received the complaint that the defendant that he had been sending, via phone messages, explicit material to a person age fifteen. Upon investigating the complaint it was also discovered that the defendant had committed sex acts against the fifteen year old. These sex acts had been ongoing since June 2017.

Sexual abuse in the third degree is a Class C Felony punishable by up to ten years in a state penitentiary.

Adam Sunkle is currently in the Mahaska County Jail waiting for an initial appearance in front of a Mahaska County Magistrate.

***

It should be noted a criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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