Compiled by Jared Curtis jared@dmcityview.com

On the clock
Des Moines Police — Jan. 21-22

Jan. 21, 11:31 a.m.
Intimidation with a dangerous weapon in the 1400 block of Northwest 11th Street. Officers responded to a dispute call and upon arrival spoke with the victim. She stated there was an ongoing dispute with a neighbor that began over the phone. She also stated that when they drove by the house, the tenant came out and pointed a long gun at the car threatening to “start a war” with them. Officers spoke with a witness who said he didn’t see a weapon but said the two parties had been feuding.

Jan. 22, 2 a.m.
Assault causing injury in the 500 block of Southwest Payton Avenue. The victim stated that he was shooting pool when an unknown male wearing a grey sweatshirt punched him in the face. A witness stated they were at the bar when things started getting rough. People began talking trash and that is when the unknown suspect punched the victim, knocking him out. The victim was allegedly intoxicated.

Jan. 22, time unknown
Burglary in the 1200 block of 23rd Street. The victim stated she came home to find that her apartment had been broken into. The back window of her apartment was broken out and the suspect(s) exited through the back door. The victim stated that nothing appeared missing, but the apartment had been ransacked and was in disarray.

BUSTED

Name: Nicole Sanders
The story: Loss prevention officers at J.C. Penney, located at 111 Southeast Army Post Road, noticed Sanders pick out several “South Pole” clothing items and walk off. Sanders went into the bedding department and concealed the merchandise in a plastic bag she had brought into the store. Sanders then walked past the point of purchase and left the store. The loss prevention officers confronted Sanders, identified themselves and asked Sanders to follow them back into the store. Sanders complied, but once she was in the store she became agitated and tried to push past the officers. The officers told Sanders if she didn’t calm down she would be handcuffed. She continued to push and grabbed one of the loss prevention officers and was handcuffed. Police officers arrived and arrested Sanders.

DOCKET DIVING

The following is from a recent ruling made by the Iowa Court of Appeals regarding the case of the State of Iowa vs. Jeffrey Draper.

“On Dec. 22, 2004, Jeffrey Draper was charged with the following counts: possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) with intent to deliver within 1,000 feet of a public park; manufacturing a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a public park; possession of ephedrine with intent to manufacture; possession of anhydrous ammonia with intent to manufacture; unlawful gatherings where controlled substances are distributed; failure to affix a tax stamp; domestic abuse assault and facilitation of a criminal network. Susan Flander, a public defender, was appointed to represent Draper. On Draper’s behalf Flander filed a motion to sever, a motion to dismiss, a motion to produce, a motion to suppress and a motion for change of venue. While these motions were pending, Draper became unhappy with Flander’s representation and asked for different counsel. His request was granted.

“At the trial, after the State rested, the defense counsel moved for a judgment of acquittal. A jury found the defendant guilty of three counts. The defense counsel filed a motion for new trial. The court denied the motion. During the hearing on the motion for new trial Draper claimed he received ineffective assistance because the defense counsel did not raise all of the issues. Draper was sentenced to a term of imprisonment not to exceed thirty years on two of the counts, and a term not to exceed five years on third count, to be served consecutively. Draper now appeals his convictions, claiming the district court denied him his constitutional right to represent himself.

“We conclude the district court’s ruling on the issue in the motion for new trial as to whether the verdict was contrary to the weight of the evidence utilized an improper standard. The ruling should be reversed and the matter remanded to the district court. However, we determine a reversal of defendant’s convictions is not necessary because a new trial is not warranted. On the other hand, if the district court grants the motion, Draper’s convictions will be set aside and the court will order a new trial. We do not retain jurisdiction.”

Most wanted

Name: Lisa Alley
Age: 33
Height: 5’6”
Weight: 250 lbs.
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Hazel
Wanted for: First-degree robbery, first-degree theft and forgery, among other charges.
If you know where to find this fugitive, call Crime Stoppers at 223-1400.

1,348 : The number of bankruptcies in Polk County in 2007.

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