North Iowa County Attorney Says Filing Criminal Charges Can Take Time

A pair of criminal cases on the March docket in Chickasaw County District Court are examples of the time it can take to file charges against the defendants.

In the early morning hours of September 26, 2022, 38-year-old Curtis Williams of West Union is alleged to have led law enforcement on a pursuit on Highway 63, south of New Hampton, that ended with Williams crashing his vehicle. His 18-year-old son was a passenger and was killed in the wreck. It wasn’t until this January that Williams was arrested on multiple charges, including homicide by vehicle while operating under the influence, a Class B felony.

In February, 19 charges of animal neglect were filed against 57-year-old Dianne Williams of Waverly, stemming from an investigation that began May 18, 2022, when the Chickasaw County Sheriff’s Office received a report of alleged animal neglect at a farm near Alta Vista.  Almost two dozen dogs and five cats, plus geese, ducks and chickens along with four deceased dogs were removed from the property.

Chickasaw County Attorney David Laudner says his office works closely with the sheriff’s department and other law agencies to develop a strong case against the accused and that can take some time.

Curtis Williams, who initially pleaded not guilty, is scheduled to be in court Tuesday, March 14, for a plea change and sentencing hearing.

Dianne Williams is scheduled to enter a plea during an arraignment proceedings set for March 28th.