Henry County Deputy Carlos Lopez appeared before the Board of Supervisors this week to formally request reimbursement for legal expenses he incurred while fighting the county attorney’s decision to place him on the Brady-Giglio list—an action a district judge has since ruled improper.
Lopez, who has served with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office since 2020, read from a prepared statement to ensure accuracy in recounting what he described as nearly two years of damage to his career, reputation, and family.
In late 2023, County Attorney Darin R. Stater accused Lopez of making false statements in an affidavit and placed his name on the Brady-Giglio list, which identifies officers prosecutors deem to be unreliable witnesses. Lopez said he was never disciplined during his tenure and had served honorably, including as the only deputy in recent history involved in an officer-involved shooting that was deemed appropriate.
On September 29, 2025, District Judge Thomas Rydell ruled that placing Lopez on the list was improper and constituted an abuse of discretion. The court ordered that his name be removed.
Lopez told supervisors that despite the ruling, the consequences have been severe. He described damage to his professional standing, termination from his role as School Resource Officer in the New London Community School District, and a shift to overnight work to limit his involvement in active cases while prosecutors dismissed cases in which his name appeared.
He also said confidential transcripts and statements were released to media outlets in violation of Iowa Code 80F, which protects such information unless an officer gives written consent. Lopez said he did not give that consent.
Lopez and his wife, who support a family of six, have paid significant legal fees in the effort to clear his name. He presented the Board with documentation showing total legal expenses of $28,405. Of that amount, he noted approximately $7,200 had been covered by donations from friends, family, and community members. He is requesting the county reimburse the remaining $21,105.
“This ordeal has taken a mental, emotional, and financial toll on my family,” Lopez said. “I am not seeking retaliation or further division. I seek fairness, closure, and the opportunity for healing. It is time for county employees to refocus their energy on serving our community and restoring trust in our local government.”
He thanked those who supported him throughout the process, particularly his wife. “I’m not a perfect man…but I will continue to serve to the best of my abilities,” Lopez said.
Supervisors acknowledged the gravity and complexity of the issue as they reviewed his request. Supervisor Chad White read a prepared statement of his own, noting that while supervisors rely heavily on the county attorney for legal guidance, this case puts them in a difficult position.
White pointed to the judge’s ruling as an important factor. “Considering an impartial, out-of-the-area district court judge reviewed the facts and arguments, then ruled to reverse the Brady-Giglio listing, it would seem the process may have been flawed,” White said. He questioned whether the county has a moral obligation to make Lopez financially whole.
“I’m not fond of the idea of the county having to pay additional money out, but I think it’s the right thing to do,” White said.
Supervisor Steve Detrick agreed, saying the situation has caused a “great deal of strife” throughout the county. “Somebody needs to be responsible for the continued grief and financial burden,” Detrick said. “Working for the county should not put employees in a financial hardship.”
Because one supervisor will be absent next week, a vote on Lopez’s reimbursement request is expected to take at least two weeks.