Editorial by Matt Marquardt –
With the perceived rise in crime in the Mason City and North Iowa area, it has become a noticeable trend that many criminals see little, if any, jail time and many times are back on the streets within days and sometimes hours after major offenses.
For example, one NIT reader continually asks about a certain Mason City man who fired a gun into a moving car at a north end business recently. The suspect has a long criminal record and was back on the streets quickly, and according to witnesses is still there.
Another NIT reader I met with this weekend explained to me about a sexual assault that took place in June, where a man came out of the shadows near downtown and abducted and raped his daughter. I am told that our county attorney is struggling to bring charges against the man, who has a startling criminal record, despite a rape test that was given at Mercy Hospital within a couple hours of the assault, a positive ID, and photos that were taken of the woman’s injuries. I am told the man has more than one victim in the area. He is walking the streets at this time.
It seems evident from my observations that the local police forces are working hard to clean the garbage off the streets. In fact, they have expressed frustration to me that as they clear the trash, it ends up right back in front of them.
On the other hand, NIT published a story yesterday about an assault at a local bar this weekend, where a woman was hit with a beer bottle and took an ambulance ride to Mercy Hosptial. Despite positive ID of a suspect by several witnesses, and possible video evidence, no warrant has yet been issued for the suspect, who fled the scene. She is only wanted for questioning. Are police responsible for pursuing this matter?
It also appears to me that many criminals charged with serious crimes with long histories of breaking the law may seem empowered to do so because the charges are many times plead down to lesser offenses. I am not a legal expert, but the question that begs to be answered, is “why doesn’t the county attorney pursue the tougher charges instead of pursuing a deal?” The Cerro Gordo County Attorney is Carlyle D. Dalen.
Further up the food chain, the judges may be part of the problem as well. Many bloggers point to certain judges that “let them go” on technicalities or easy sentences. Judge Colleen D. Weiland, serving District 2A in Mason City, is a frequent topic of discussion in many forums. Again, I am not a legal expert, but are the judges required to accept “deals” or “plea bargains” that a county attorney and a defense attorney put together? Can a judge step in and say “I will not accept this plea bargain?” Learn more about District 2A judges, serving the Mason City and North Iowa area, here. Read about their “independence and accountability” here.
Lastly, are the prisons just too full? Is the system overloaded? Is the county attorney just too busy to pursue and prosecute to the full extent of the law? Does he have adequate resources?
What will it take to clean up the crime and get the criminals off the streets?
Watchdog and David, please keep your Cell Phone Patrol idea in the forefront with reminders. That sounds like an excellent idea and sounds like many would probably be willing to participate in.
The county attorney is too busy prosecuting non-violent offenders to put the work required into bringing violent offenders to justice. Upside-down priorities.
Any statistical proof to that? What is the ratio of violent to non-violent cases tried before the courts in Cerro Gordo County. How much time was allocated to cases on either side? What was the determining factors (evidence) in those cases?
We the people need to address this first and foremost!
Our SYSTEM OF JUSTICE has become an industry, and a bad one. It needs to be changed. It no longer punishes the knuckle-draggers.
In concert Law Enforcement, The Courts, and Penal System is set up to mine money from both the taxpayers, who want justice, and the bad guys. Their focus has changed to one of jobs, greed, and self-perpetuating their own need to exist. Politicians, bureaucrats, and bleeding hearts have allowed this to occur.
After we acknowledge and correct that problem we next have to address how we punish knuckle-draggers.
MISERY is the answer to changing an individual’s behavior.
When something hurts you will quit doing it. Ask any carpenter who has missed the head of a nail and hit is thumb or finger. He only does that once. The pain is something you remember and don’t want to repeat.
Our penal system molly coddles knuckle-draggers.
Living conditions in jail are too nice. In my jail you would not have a mattress. In my jail your hours of sleep would be limited. In my jail you would never be allowed to sit down. Only when your are sleeping would your body be allowed to rest. You would not have a TV, radio, or newspaper. You would not be allowed to work out. You would not be allowed to have sex with a fellow inmate. You would not get drugs in jail or prison. You would not be allowed to have any dignity. You would not be shown any respect as a human being.
Knuckle-draggers don’t respect anyone else and don’t deserve any respect!
This list is far from complete, but you folks get the idea.
Hard core criminals would become organ donors.
I am ready for this change, how about YOU?
Hey plenty of taxpayer dough laying around for the prison privatization industry to stick its snout in.
Why don’t you take your proposal to Des Moines and get rich while you’re at it?
“Criminal justice resources should be focused elsewhere than on busting drug users.”
If you like illegal drug users so much, get with Peter L, found your own country, and make them as legal as you want. You can dictate all you desire there, and enjoy the fruits of your wonderful life.
Until such time, the majority of Americans do not want illegal drug users walking the streets doing as they please.
Don’t dodge the question.
The war on drugs has failed miserably. We have more drug users walking the streets than before it began.
It has only served to enrich the pockets of those involved–law enforcement, court personnel, drug cartels, probation and parole officials, etc., etc.
The money involved is just too good to adopt a rational approach.
Criminalizing drug use does not work.
Sorry you buy into it. Do you work for the court system or for law enforcement? I guess it beats being a walmart greeter.
I do not work for any of the above. My concerns are about keeping our community safe, and administering law fairly across the spectrum.
#1, A majority of people do not want drug using individuals in their community.
#2, They demand law breakers be brought to justice, from violent to white collar.
#3, Most important, illegal drugs are illegal because of their antio-social effect upon communities. People clearly understand this, and thus revert to #1 and #2.
Everytime I drive past the courthouse, I wonder how much of its judicial budget is funded through federal war on drug money–which apparently after 40 yrs. is a colossal waste of time.
How much of the salaries of judges, prosecutors, cops, probation officers, etc., are paid by these federal drug funds, and how many would be walmart greeters if money dried up?
Hey, but like drug dealers, the money’s just too good.
Not to mention outfits like Prairie Ridge which would go out of business were drugs decriminalized.
Criminal justice resources should be focused elsewhere than on busting drug users.
The war on drugs is a ridiculous disaster. I understand the fear that good citizens have about illegal drugs. Drug use contributes to theft, unemployment, poor health, etc.- and these things unfairly cost hard working, law abiding citizens money. But prescription drugs also cause the same problems. As we’ve seen with the poor woman strangled by her crazy pill popping boyfriend. I know someone who is going to do 7 years in federal prison for a drug offense and I assure you he is very hardworking, a loving involved parent, and has never stolen a stick of gum in his life. THIS COUNTRY IS F***ED
“I believe the biggest problem regarding this are the judges. I suppose they take money under the table and look the other way alot.”
” Their focus has changed to one of jobs, greed, and self-perpetuating their own need to exist.”
“I agree that Weiland needs to be investigated. Does she even know how to interpret the law?? VOTE HER OUT!!!”
These comments and more show such an ignorance of our criminal justice system. Money under the table? Investigation? Greed? Do you realize how silly that all sounds on it’s face? I am willing to bet, that ther person who questioned her ability to interpret the law, has no idea what a judges job is, or the first clue as to how a case is run.
How come the same complaints have not been heard from the other locations on her calendar? Do you even realize our judges rotate on calendars?
If you have been following my comments of late, I have tried to explain some of how the courts work. Without publishing a book, and to what Matt alluded to, being a legal expert (don’t look my way, I only know enough to be dangerous), it can be confusing to understand, and frustrating at the results.
A simple example is rules of evidence. With 600+ rules, a person who deals with law must know them to be able to prosecute or defend a person. Such is the complex world of law.
Yet some here just point a blind finger at a person or persons without basis. They care not if it is factual, so long as it assigns blame. Or at least it reads that way.
Being from Osage that headline made my neck hairs stand up.
I agree with “WTF”. the court system has “gone fishing”. more money can be made, and better job security if they let the criminals off so they can be caught again. something smells fishy
The first time someone is let loose and commits a serious crime and the victim sues the city on behalf of the judge, imagine the windfall.
I am fighting with the city and the “justice system” in this town as we speak. I am not a criminal, I obey the laws, I work and take care of my kids, however I also live on the North End. I am not scared to walk out of my door at night, and I never will be. Fear is what all these losers want from us, if we show them fear they will continue to take our town over. The “judges, cops, ect” are paid off, they know who these people are and what they have been doing in this town, and yet time after time they get out of jail. If I were to get caught selling drugs or shooting at people I would be locked up in prison already. Come on people open your eyes and see that our tax money is going to a corrupt law enforcement agency, all they do is harrass the innocent, let the bad guys get away and drive around in their cars. I dont even feel safe enough to say they even know how to use their weapons or their power the correct way. This is Mason Shitty for ya people……..
There is a lot we can do to change our current situation.
Our SYSTEM OF JUSTICE has become an industry, and a bad one. It needs to be changed. It no longer punishes the knuckle-draggers.
In concert Law Enforcement, The Courts, and Penal System is set up to mine money from both the taxpayers, who want justice, and the bad guys. Their focus has changed to one of jobs, greed, and self-perpetuating their own need to exist. Politicians, bureaucrats, and bleeding hearts have allowed this to occur.
Also, blight in the city is another problem. Look at the repair of our neighborhoods. Our City Government has fallen down on the job, from elected officials and our highly paid Community Development Department. They are both a total failure! Blight encourages crime.
WE can change things but first we have to set some goals, educate the citizenry, and vote for better leaders. From the State, County, and Local level we need new leadership without all the bleeding hearts.
Here is where it all starts and there will be stiff resistance. The SYSTEM and all the bureaucrats and elected officials will not want to change.
ARE YOU READY????
The new reporting system may help with the blight. If enough people take pictures of run-down/junky properties, maybe the City will have to force the landlords to do something about them.
Where would you like them posted? I have nearly 100 that would fit that classification.
I believe the biggest problem regarding this are the judges. I suppose they take money under the table and look the other way alot. The police and sheriffs department work hard to arrest these thugs and get them off the street and then you read where they get probabtion or suspended sentence or basically, nothing. They need to crack down on these people more and actually make them accountable. No wonder more people are carrying guns these days. I see it going back to the old vigilante ways, too. If they would actually do something with these people and show them how bad it should be in prison, they might rethink doing these crimes. In the southern states, they also make the prisoners get out and work in the hot sun to pick up trash or do what needs to be done. We do nothing in Iowa, but coddle the prisoners and worry about them being too hot with no air conditioning in some of the prisons. Boo hoo! Then we have BG Clark where the people there are to be just minor offenders and they walk away and then get caught and they put them back there. Throw their ass in jail! The laws are for the crooks anymore so I say the blame falls on these worthless judges and they need to start at the Federal end and work their way down. If they don’t have the guts to do something with these people, then get out! The laws need to be tougher, too. If you take a life, rape, or molest a child, fry them!
be very careful, saying that they are not doing their jobs or favor men is one thing but saying that they are taking bribes could be called slander, you better have proof.
judges don’t care about who goes to prison and who don’t!! what they do care about are the fines they impose on you if you have to go to court.. I was once told that court cost part of imposed fine goes to county- probably to pay CA salaries, and that the surcharge they tack on goes to the presiding judge either as payment for that case or into their retirement fund…. IF infact either is true, weiland surely would let ones off who she sees the most because she knows they’ll be returning with new charges and more money in her pocket!!! shitty way to ensure ‘job security’ if u ask me…
I’m sure the fines don’t go directly into the judges’ pockets. It goes to the District Court fund, if anything. The district judges are salaried. In 2009, their salary was 137,700.
Katie, re-read my post a little s-l-o-w-e-r…. I didn’t say the initial fine itself… I said the court cost and surcharge parts of fine!!! stop posting just to see your name and nonsense on the screen if you don’t have a valid point to make or comment to make…
Matt
You have provided a very informative article, and the links supported your story very well.
Could you provide a follow-up story on when Judge Weiland comes up for election? I’m sick and tired of seeing these male offenders get off with no jail time or deferred sentences. She clearly favors the male defendant.
David, If you can figure out a way for us to communicate. Let me know.
? If you present a firearm from your holster or were ever you carry, you had better have a few things. 1. You had better be sure that you are with the use of deadly force. How do you know? If you feel your live or the life of another is in serious iminate danger, deadly force is there. If a person were to approuch you with a knife, you still have the out that you could run. Now, if he or she chases, turn and deadly force is there. You tryed to exhaust a means and it failed. Iminate danger is when you feel you or someone else has a chance of being killed. Deadly force is always used as a last resort. Also, you never shot to mame. You shot to kill or don’t use the firearm. A wounded aggressor still has the means to kill another. You may just piss them off. People that say shot them in the leg or shoulder have no idea what they are talking about. I taught this (Marksmanship, combat marksmanship, deadly force, use of force, CQB, with pistol, rifle and shotgun for years). I taught Marines, City, County, State and Fedreal Police. I think the Carry Course they teach around here is somewhat a joke. They don’t really cover safty, conditions of a firearm, deadly force, nothing. Just enough is taught to get hurt or be dangerous. I have talked to people about teaching a course for free to people interested and never heard from people. I have attended S&W Acatomy’s and all sorts of formal schools. People need to know the right things. As far as taking your town back, it will take a town or a decent porstion. To many peole are afraid to get involved. It takes a hard mind and hard heart to stand up to ass wipes like this. As I said, they will leave when they see their bullshit is no longer accepted. They can take the trash women they have with them. They to are not needed in town. Let them collect welfare somewere else.
I used to carry a weapon, I was also on the National Guard pistol team but right now I don’t have a weapon but what I do have is a big stick and I know how to use it and I have the passion to take my town back. The d boys almost took my daughter from me and I don’t want anybody to go through the pain I went through. I don’t have vengence in my heart, just justice. If I have to do it alone then so be it, but I don’t think I will have to. The good people of mason city are not afraid of them as the douche bags think they are.
Years ago we had a citizen group that patrolled the city at night known as the CB Patrol.
We were only eyes that roamed the city as organized volunteers at night that called in suspect activity and nothing more. It was very effective.
Today I am thinking it would be called the CELL PHONE PATROL.
Sometimes we were assigned a permanent location and other times we roamed the city. We were discrete and only the PD knew our activity as we were schooled by them and worked in concert as extra eyes for the PD. Maybe it’s time to revive that concept. I don’t think it would be hard to get volunteers.
Thats not a bad idea.
ICarry,
I disagree with your comment about local education regarding a Carry Course that is taught around here. The course I took was at the Armory and the instructor covered safety, firearm care and maintenance, advised to regularly practice with your firearm, the use of deadly force, and what to expect if it you ever find yourself having to use it I found the course very through.
Your comment that they don’t really cover safty, conditions of a firearm, deadly force, nothing is just plain wrong.
I never did buy a myself a weapon but could change my mind if things get bad enough. At this time I don’t see the need.
While I don’t agree with everything the Police Force does I still trust that they will protect me and my wife if the need arises. I keep my doors locked and early warning devices in play while I am at rest.
As an Ex-Marine and Viet Nam Vet I know first hand what a gun can do. It isn’t pretty and have choose to never own a gun.
My decision could change, but what we have going on in Mason City doesn’t come close justify carrying a hand gun.
You fellers need to calm down and take a few steps back!
I am not opposed to carrying a gun for self defense but what I am proposing is a neighborhood watch, getting enough people to drive around or walk around to help the people of mason city and help the police without guns. They are only brave when they outnumber their prey but when their prey out numbers them they aren’t so brave.
Thought provoking story. So many questions and so few easy answers out there. I think discussion helps bring about those solutions.
Ok well then if we dont have no stand your ground here does that mean if Blodgett pulled his gun on them carnies that robbed him outside that bar he could of went to jail?
One last thing. Iowa does not have a stand your ground law. But, deadly force is that force which a person knows or resonably knows will cause death when used by that person on another. Deadly force should be used as a last resort when all lesser means have failed and can’t be deployed. BUT. If someone comes in your home uninvited, and you “hear them say they are going to kill you” your life just became in iminate danger and you are well within the law to protect yourself with a fireare. If they don’t have a weapon after the incident, that is their fault. You DO NOT have to wait until they are on you with a knife, hammer, handgun, screwdriver NOTHING. Remember this people.
David, I agree with you 100%. I would love to help in the City od mason City. These people are to comfortable with doing as they want. Things can be done to help them want to leave. One or two people can not dfo this. If you have a group of 40 to 50 people, this tends to make people look. I am not for violance. My fighting days ended in 1995 when I was discharged from the Marine Corps. I am one that carries everywere I go. For protection. My family and I will not be victims. Aslo if someone else is in iminate danger for their life, they will recieve my help. Like I said before, this infection needs to go back were they have already made a mess. Go sit in the shit hole you made. don’t ruin it for others. I honestly feel that the County Attorney and Judges are afraid of these jokes. They are not tough. They are punks. They travel in packs becuase they are chicken shit. Once people see this and sat to fight back, then, you will see them leave for good.
The ball is rolling right now, I will keep you informed on what happens with the Chief.
We need people, alot of people that are tired of whats going on. People that is willing to walk around, people that is willing to keep an eye out their windows. All they have to do is dial 911. Mason City has between what 28,000 and 33,000 people and there are maybe 20 or 30 of them? They won’t be able to take a dump without us knowing about it. We have to have the blessing of the PD though, we will be working with them.
Hope they give you that blessing. You would be a most welcomed sight.
David’ Did you send your email to Matt?
yes and we are discussing some things.
Sounds good count me in, let me know!
John, you had better re read the gun law in Iowa, it is not a stand your ground law.
Yeah in Iowa they have a retreat law you are required to at least try to escape or evade them before a physical altercation or shooting, all I have to say is if someones breaks into my house or tries to attack me or my family I will not run away or retreat. Why are they letting these repeat offenders off and letting this happen? Must be crooked that’s the only way It makes sense. Cannot wait to move Out of the area! good luck to all of you on the northend but mason it going back to the armpit of america that it once was because of all the Knuckle draggers moving in from detroit and chicago.
Experience teaches me this.
Misery is the answer to change an individual’s behavior.
When something hurts you will quit doing it. Ask any carpenter who has missed the head of a nail and hit is thumb or finger. He only does that once. The pain is something you remember and don’t want to repeat.
Our penal system molly coddles knuckle-draggers.
Living conditions in jail are too nice. In my jail you would not have a mattress. In my jail your hours of sleep would be limited. In my jail you would never be allowed to sit down. Only when your are sleeping would your body be allowed to rest. You would not have a TV, radio, or newspaper. You would not be allowed to work out. You would not be allowed to have sex with a fellow inmate. You would not get drugs in jail or prison. You would not be allowed to have any dignity. You would not be shown any respect as a human being.
Knuckle-draggers don’t respect anyone else and don’t deserve any respect!
This list is far from complete, but you folks get the idea.
Hard core criminals would become organ donors.
Iowa should just do the same as a couple other states like Arizona and bring the stand your ground law to Iowa and the Castle Doctrine. Start shooting the criminals when they get physical or try to rape your children. There Moving here because its easy to get away with this shit and no one is fighting back. Maybe a good group of biker’s should rally up and start cleaning house with all this trash on the north end of mason city. Show them who should be afraid of who. If your a law abiding citizen get a gun learn to use it and carry it everywhere. You all have a right to protect yourselves. If the DA and judges and cops wont do anything then we have to protect ourselves from these worthless waste of life and time.
we do have the stand your ground law in Iowa. Please remind everyone, if someone enters your house or threatens your life and you are in danger of losing your life, you have the right to terminate their life on the spot. Period.
Iowa’s does NOT have ‘stand your ground’ or ‘castle doctrine’. We would if the state Senate would be allowed to debate the issue, but a certain majority leader will not even allow legislation to be debated, or brought up in committee.
Cerro Gordo County Jail currently has 61 inmates and 173 beds people can serve up to a year in county. Beje Clark has had 4 escapes in July which have gone unreported by any news media because their managment wants it a secret. Other so called work release facilties report them to local media, but the again they don’t have an escape a week. Anybody notice Judge James Drew just released two convicted drug dealers last week after serving 3 and the other 6 months on 10 yr prison sentences. Let’s not forget the murder walking the streets after his bond was reduced to 20k by you guessed it Weiland.
Exactly. Like arron detrich, he basically killed someone in a fight at a bar, never did time for it, almost beats someone half to death 8 or 9 months ago..willfull injury, only gets 10 years and is out in 8 months or so? how does that work? arent violent crimes suposed to have a certain percentage served? so he is back walking the streets as of a few days ago. is he at beje or is he roaming around town free? i mean good for him, bad for anybody thats around him if he loses his temper tho.
the REAL ones responsible for that death are those whom the deceased knew as his own “friends”… that kid was drunk in a bar, underage no less, had got caught and was thrown out because of… Aaron was doing his job by removing him, and the fact that the drunk became combative just showed his idiocy!!! Aaron had no weapon to protect himself and he was outnumbered.. real crime took place when the friends left him passed out in freezing cold!! they didn’t try calling a relative, knock on kids own door to try and get someone inside to help, or call authorities knowing he was unresponsive to their attempts.. had they sought help, kid wouldn’t have died from alcohol poisoning most likely…
Weiland sucks. I hope she gets voted out.
I saw a show long time ago called “escape from new york”….maybe we need to put criminals that do unspeakable crimes on an island….no plea bargains no kleenex ..this is where they go with no chance of escape and they can spend their “time” trying to survive on an island with their fellow criminals hoping to survive.we dont pay for it we dont let them get off with free room and board and visits with loved ones….
I think the county attorney and Judges have a lot to do with it. I know someone who was in prison for manufacturing meth, he was only in for 2 yrs and he is on parole til 2016, he was just recently in jail for theft and he should be back in prison for violation of parole, but guess what he isn’t. Also, if Mason City court system would stop pushing trial dates back all the time then maybe the jail wouldn’t be so full. I think it is absolutely pathetic the way the courts work, you can’t tell me that the judges are that busy 8 hrs a day 5 days a week. As for the county attorney he just plain LAZY.
I don’t understand how people with crimes of a lower offense get punished more than people with higher offense crimes. And yes it is always Weiland. When Carlyn Grupp was a judge, she followed punishments by the book. These losers that are breaking the laws with guns and drugs would not be out on the street if she was still a judge. So, what’s up with Weiland? I truly think she and the county attorney need to be investigated.
I agree that Weiland needs to be investigated. Does she even know how to interpret the law?? VOTE HER OUT!!!
Change won’t happen fast or come easy. Besides the obvious of trying to make changes in our legal system people need to teach their children from the start what’s good vs bad. We need to be rolemodels so children can go through all the various stages of life don’t get caught up in violence or crimes.
I guess you have two choices. You either pay more for bigger jails. And more prisons to lock these people up. Or deal with being a victim of crime. Ever notice how long you have people waiting in jail. To be placed into prison or waiting for bed space a detention center. We have so many criminals they don’t have no place to stick them anymore. It’s all about money. I lived in Colorado for a while. You would not believe all the prisons they have there.
I lived in Fremont County, Colorado and we had 12 prisons within 10 miles of each other counting Federal Supermax. Interesting enough, Cañón City was no better off crime wise because of it.
I lived in Can’on City for 7 years. They had prison’s all over the place. They did’t have near the problems Mason City is facing. One problem they did have was that all the prisoners old ladies lived there as well. Many of them on welfare. But they had a beefed up police force around to deal with the problems.
http://youtu.be/26HYxzOvMYw
*like* d’-‘b
Maybe we need a local chapter of the Guardian Angels here in mason city to walk a beat to help the local police.
I agree. Are you up to starting a local chapter? Count me in!
We don’t need to actually start a local chapter, all we need is to get together and walk a beat. We would have to go through some training with the police, what we can do and what we can’t but as civillians we can arrest these dirtbags. We get enough people to volunteer and we can take OUR city back. They will get tired of us hounding them, arresting them, and if we have to smack them around alittle to get their attention so be it. That video, the detroit 300 isn’t too far off. We don’t need weapons although a big stick might come in handy as an attention getter.
excellent thought….if i lived in mason i would be the first in line to be a GA!!!!!
David’ if your serious maybe you can contact Matt at NIT and we could set something up.Leave your email, and maybe we can set up a meeting about this!
How do you get a hold of matt?
You can send an email here
staff@northiowatoday.com
Thanks David
If the people who complain would get off their can and vote, maybe we could get some people in office that think more about why they are there instead of how much money they can make by dealing from the bottom of the deck
All them scum got to go I say time for MC powers to be to look the other way, turn Todd Blodgett loose on that there scum he is a good shot don’t take no shit.Blodgett he can probably take out 10 or 12 a night if they lets him give it a wirl. least its worth a try heck yes. They got to go good lord.
Just go ask blodgett to have sex with you and shut up about it. Your very annoying.
What is up with the Blodget bashing?
Crime and punishment are the issue. Blodgett has no control over either one.
Our problems are completely due to a society that is sick with compassion. It is not politically correct to hurt anyone, physically or emotionally.
We need harsher penalties.