An alleged abuse of power of attorney in Henry County has resulted in serious felony charges tied to the unauthorized use of an older individual’s money.

Between April 7, 2025, and December 8, 2025, Courtney Williamson, 45, of Mount Pleasant, allegedly abused her position as power of attorney by spending more than $60,000 of the victim’s money without consent. Williamson was arrested and transported to the Henry County Jail in early January, pleaded not guilty and waived her right to a hearing.  Williamson is charged with Financial Exploitation of an Older Individual, first offense, a Class B felony, and Forgery, a Class D felony.

According to court documents, Williamson used the funds to pay off numerous credit cards and purchase various items. Records state she also paid hospital bills for her son and husband and had work performed on her own vehicle using the victim’s money.

Williamson allegedly wrote a letter bearing the victim’s forged signature that authorized her to spend the funds. The victim stated she never had any conversation granting Williamson permission to use her money and did not provide any unwitnessed written statement allowing such spending.

Criminal complaint records indicate Williamson claimed the alleged signature occurred at the nursing home where the victim resides.

The victim told authorities she did not authorize Williamson to spend any money and clarified that Williamson was only listed as power of attorney in the event the victim became unable to pay her own bills.

Williamson admitted to authorities that she spent the money but stated she believed she had an agreement with the victim. She also claimed to have a signed agreement, which authorities believe was allegedly forged. Williamson reportedly told investigators she intended to repay the money.

Henry County Attorney, Darin Stater, acting in the name and by the authority of the State of Iowa, has filed multiple criminal charges against Ashley Ann Bessine related to alleged prescription drug diversion and record tampering while employed as a nurse at New London Specialty Care.  The charges stem from transactions in August and September of 2025.

Investigators state that between August 27 and September 13, 2025, Bessine falsified official medical records by creating false entries in residents’ paper narcotics logs. The logs are considered official medical records, and the alleged false documentation was used to conceal the diversion of Oxycodone and Hydrocodone.

According to court documents, between September 12 and September 13, 2025, Bessine allegedly tampered with a resident’s Oxycodone medication by removing the controlled substance from the medication card and replacing it with an Amlodipine pill. Authorities state the pill slot was then taped shut to conceal the tampering. The resident was later administered the incorrect medication and did not receive the prescribed Oxycodone.

Allegations in court documents state between August 28 and September 12, 2025, Bessine documented administering numerous PRN Hydrocodone doses to a resident while working at the facility. The resident, a retired nurse, told investigators she did not receive the Hydrocodone doses that were documented as administered. Authorities allege Bessine diverted the medication for her own use.

Court records further allege that on September 4, 2025, Bessine documented administering three PRN Oxycodone doses to a resident who had a physician’s order allowing no more than two doses per day. Investigators determined only two doses were administered and allege the third dose was diverted by Bessine.

On September 10, 2025, Bessine is accused of documenting two Hydrocodone administrations for a resident at the same time on separate paper narcotics logs. Authorities determined that only one dose was administered and allege the second dose was diverted.

Court documents also allege that on September 13, 2025, Bessine committed dependent adult abuse while acting as a caretaker. Authorities state she diverted a resident’s Oxycodone by swapping it with an Amlodipine pill. The resident did not have a prescription or medical need for Amlodipine. The Amlodipine pill used in the swap was allegedly taken from another resident, causing that resident to miss a scheduled dose of prescribed medication.

Bessine is charged with four counts of prohibited acts involving prescription drugs, all Class C felonies, one count of tampering with records, an aggravated misdemeanor, and one count of caretaker dependent adult abuse, a serious misdemeanor.

A Burlington man is in custody following a traffic stop Tuesday night on Winegard Drive.

Burlington Police report that officers stopped Ethan Ehrhart, 25, at approximately 10:21 P.M. on January 20, 2026.

After discovering Ehrhart was driving on a suspended license, officers located a loaded 9mm handgun on his person. A K9 unit was called to the scene and alerted officers to the vehicle, where a small amount of methamphetamine was recovered.

Ehrhart was arrested and faces charges including: Possession of a Controlled Substance, Driving Under Suspension, and Ineligible Carry of a Dangerous Weapon.

He is currently being held at the Des Moines County Jail. As a reminder, a criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

The Henry County Historic Preservation Commission met Wednesday, January 21, 2025 at the Henry County Heritage Center.

Commissioners in attendance included Chad Brousseau, Joel Garretson, Caroline Lehman, Jeff McPheron, and Judy Rawson. Also attending were Nancy Amos, Peggy Waters, and Cathy McCoy, who have expressed interest in joining the commission.

During the meeting, commissioners approved the minutes, agenda, and treasurer’s report. Members also discussed progress on the Henry County historic guidebook, with the goal of completing the project by this summer.

The commission reviewed its accomplishments from 2025 and set new goals for 2026 as part of its annual Certified Local Government (CLG) report. The CLG report is due in February and will be submitted to the Henry County Board of Supervisors for review and approval ahead of the March deadline.

Commissioners also noted that several terms were scheduled to expire in 2025. Those members will remain seated during the onboarding of new commissioners and until the historic guidebook project is completed.

The update was submitted by Commission Chair Joel Garretson.

A Van Buren County man has been sentenced to prison following a burglary investigation that began last year.

According to the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy responded to a report of a burglary in progress on January 4, 2025 at a residence in the 1800 block of 160th Street in rural Birmingham.

Travis L. Gonterman, 50, was identified by the occupants as the suspect and was taken into custody later that evening at his residence in rural Kilbourne without incident. He was initially charged with first-degree burglary.

Court records show that on January 16, 2026 Gonterman was sentenced in Van Buren County District Court to ten years in prison after pleading guilty to a lesser charge of second-degree burglary, a class C felony.

Authorities say Gonterman was already in the custody of the Iowa Department of Corrections on an unrelated conviction and will serve the sentences concurrently.

State legislators report a busy week of the 2026 legislative session as lawmakers move newly introduced bills through sub-committees and committees. Big topics discussed include property taxes, eminent domain, and energy reliability. Plus, it was 4H and FFA Day on the Hill.

Representative Taylor Collins serves House District 95. You can read his newsletter “Collins Capitol Connection” here. To reach Rep. Collins with any questions or concerns email taylor.collins@legis.iowa.gov or call the Capitol Switchboard and leave a message at (515) 281-7340.

Representative Blaine Watkins serves House District 100. You can read his update on week two in “The Watkins Wire” here. Email blaine.watkins@legis.iowa.gov or call the Capitol Switchboard and leave a message (515) 281-7340.