Category: Government Accountability

Lawsuit Filed on Behalf of Slain Anamosa Correctional Officer, Robert McFarland

Protect those who protect us.  Positive change must come out of a preventable tragedy. The mobilization of the corrections community to force change within the Iowa Department of Corrections starts now. According to the Director of the Iowa Department of Corrections, Beth Skinner, “staff safety is my main priority as director.”   Skinner has publicly claimed, “I recognize that Iowa Corrections System staff are our most important and valuable assets.”  The Iowa Department of Corrections, actions and inactions leading up to and since the murders of Robert McFarland and Lorena Schulte would say otherwise. On March 23, 2021, Corrections Officer, Robert […]

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GRL Law Secures Settlement for Special Education Student Who Was Sexually Assaulted on School Grounds, During School Hours

Paulina, O’Brien County, Iowa. The Court has approved the South O’Brien Community School District’s agreement to pay $625,000.00 to settle a lawsuit brought by the family of a special education student who was sexually assaulted by a fellow student in the building of South O’Brien High School, during school hours. The suit, filed by the Government Accountability Division of GRL Law back in August of 2022, alleged that the special education student was victimized by a fellow, higher functioning, special education student, at times, when they were the only two students being taught by a single teacher.  All three named […]

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$40,000 Settlement for Unwarranted Suspicion in Boone County

In a noteworthy demonstration of legal expertise and dedication to upholding citizens’ rights, GRL’s Government Accountability Division recently marked a significant victory in Boone County, Iowa. The division secured a $40,000 settlement for a Boone County man, unjustly ensnared in the legal system due to an unconstitutional traffic stop by a Boone County Sheriff’s Deputy. This case, emblematic of GRL’s commitment to challenging governmental overreach and defending constitutional rights, not only underscores the firm’s prowess in legal advocacy but also highlights the broader implications of law enforcement practices on individual liberties. The incident unfolded when a Boone County Deputy, operating […]

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Story County Prosecutor Sanctioned for Misconduct

Nevada, Story County, Iowa.  Don’t nip at The Wolf.  He bites back! An Assistant Story County Attorney attempted to prosecute a meritless operating while intoxicated case against GRL’s client.  As usual, GRL gave the prosecutor the opportunity to do the right thing but he could not “let the bear go.”  When the prosecutor finally saw the writing on the wall and agreed to dismiss the case, he had already dug himself a hole that placed himself firmly in hot water.  Amazingly, when called to task on his dirty deeds, the prosecutor could not drop the brush, and continued to paint […]

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$154,900 Settlement for Wrongful Arrest

Ankeny, Polk County, Iowa.  GRL’s Government Accountability Division obtained a settlement of $154,900 for an Ankeny man who was wrongfully arrested by Ankeny Police Department earlier this year.  While the financial compensation was substantial for GRL’s client, it was not the most incredible part of this case. Apologies, especially sincere apologies, simply do not happen when a citizen accuses a government entity of misconduct or violating their constitutional rights.  Deflection, denial, victim-blame, and excuse-making tend to be the government’s go-to approaches to these types of cases. They never, ever admit that they were wrong.  However, in this case, in a […]

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