On July 6, 2021, the Marshalltown Police Department received allegations concerning potential sexual exploitation and inappropriate sexual contact between a former school employee and former student. The school employee was working in the Marshalltown Community School District at the time the allegations of misconduct occurred.
On July 22, 2021, personnel from the Marshalltown Police Department attempted to serve a search warrant and arrest warrants in the 3700 block of Columbine Circle in Ames. These warrants were being served in connection with this investigation. As law enforcement officers entered the home, a gunshot was heard inside the residence. Officers found a deceased adult male in the basement of the residence. Preliminary investigative results indicate the male shot himself. Nobody else present was injured. No police officers discharged their weapons.
The Ames Police Department is conducting a death investigation in connection with this matter. The name of the deceased male is not being released at this time pending family notifications. The Marshalltown Police Department is continuing to investigate the original sexual exploitation allegation.
This is an active investigation. Allegations under investigation by the Marshalltown Police Department involve inappropriate communication and sexual contact between a former Marshalltown School employee and a former student.
Anyone with information about this crime should call the Marshalltown Police Department at 641.754.5725. Additionally, tips can be submitted by calling 641.753.1234, or via text messaging by texting the word “marshall” followed by the tip to CRIMES (274637), or online at www.marshallcountycs.com. All tips are anonymous and could earn a reward of up to $1,000 if the tip results in an arrest.
(A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.)
For more information, please contact Police Chief Michael Tupper by calling 641.754.5771 or via email at mtupper@marshalltown-ia.gov.