A complaint has been filed with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board involving Des Moines County Assistant Attorney Trent Henklevig, who is currently running in the June 2nd primary election for Des Moines County Attorney.
Henklevig is seeking to replace longtime County Attorney Lisa Schaefer, who is retiring at the end of the year.
According to the complaint, filed by Henklevig’s opponent Travis Ingraham, Henklevig allegedly used county resources to support his campaign, including conducting campaign business through his county-issued email account and computer. The complaint claims the practice continued through early April.
Ingraham also alleges Henklevig used his county office and county-issued computer equipment to participate in a campaign-related podcast interview.
Henklevig acknowledged participating in the interview and said it was conducted in his office using his county computer after business hours. He also stated he changed his campaign contact information to a private Gmail account after learning of concerns surrounding the use of his county email.
Henklevig said he was unaware the use of the county email may have violated campaign rules, saying, quote, “The thought never crossed my mind.”
The complaint further alleges Henklevig circulated nomination petitions inside the Des Moines County Courthouse during work hours and sought signatures from courthouse employees while conducting county business.
Ingraham claims the actions violated Iowa administrative rules regarding the use of public resources for campaign purposes and argues the alleged conduct provided an unfair advantage in the two-candidate Republican primary race.
The Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board confirmed it has received the complaint. Executive Director and Legal Counsel Erika Eckley said the matter is expected to appear on the board’s May 20th agenda, where members will determine whether the allegations warrant a formal investigation.
Eckley emphasized that the filing of a complaint does not indicate wrongdoing has occurred.