OSKALOOSA — Jurors have found Mahaska County Supervisor Henry “Willie” VanWeelden guilty of first-degree theft, felonious conduct in office and tampering with documents.
The trial took a week; jurors took only about three hours to reach a decision. The prosecution and defense offered closing arguments Friday morning and the jury was dismissed around 11:15 a.m. Friday to begin its deliberation. Notice was given that the jury had reached a verdict about 2:15 p.m. Friday.
The charges were in regards to VanWeelden placing his wife, Bonnie, on county health insurance coverage after he was reelected in November 2008. She was covered initially after VanWeelden was elected in 2001. She was removed in 2004 and then was reinstated in early 2009 after VanWeelden was reelected.
Judge Paul Miller said a sentencing date has yet to be set. A presentence investigation has to be completed. Miller said bond remains as previously set.
Miller directed the prosecution to prepare a statement of pecuniary damages.
Miller told the defense that counsel can ask for a new trial. They also can file an appeal within 45 days of the announcement of the verdict.
After the trial ended, defense attorney Matt Moore declined to comment on the case.
Georgia School Buses Escorted After Threat
Lady Antebellum Plays Prom in Tornado-hit Town
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Wife Found Dead
Raw Video: Soyuz Docks With Space Station
Defense Rests in John Edwards Trial
GM Says It Will Stop Paying for Ads on Facebook
911 Call: Confusion at Home Where Mom Shot Kids
Jury Convicts Steve Powell of Voyeurism Charges
Skechers to Pay $40 Million for Bogus Claims
Coffee May Be Key to Living Longer
Police to Groom of Slain Bride: Turn Yourself In
Laurie Fine: My Life Has Been Destroyed
FTC: Skechers Deceived Consumers With Shoe Ads
FBI Confirms Leak Probe on Al-Qaida Plot
Romney Calls Obama a 'Disappointment'
Honda Unveils New Robotics-powered Scooter
NJ Gov., Mayor Channel Seinfeld in Video Parody
Blood Drive for Woman With Flesh-Eating Disease
AG Race Tops Oregon Primary Interest
Obama Welcomes Beckham, Galaxy to White House
