DCI: Nevada Man Stole $400 Grand From DOT

A 56-year-old Nevada man and another man stole more than $407,000 from the Iowa Department of Transportation, according to a release from the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

David Weigel has been charged with first-degree theft, conspiracy to commit theft, on-going criminal conduct, money laundering and felonious misconduct in office. Grady Marx, of Sioux City, was also charged with first-degree theft, conspiracy to commit a felony, ongoing criminal conduct and money laundering.

Weigel, who worked for the DOT from 1995 to 2011, is accused of keeping some of the funds received for the sale and lease of DOT property. And Marx is accused of receiving funds from DOT land sales and mowing contracts and funneling some of that money to Weigel, the release said.

Weigel was in charge of maintaining, leasing and selling DOT land. When selling some land parcels Weigel asked purchasers to write two checks, one to him and one to the DOT, according to criminal complaints. Weigel also asked people leasing land from the DOT to write checks to him as a “property manager,” complaints said.

Stacie Walther told an investigator with the Division of Criminal Investigation that she received funds from the DOT for mowing property that she did not mow and that Weigel's sons had actually done the work, complaints said. She said she gave Weigel almost all the funds she received for the work, complaints said.

The investigation continues.

 “Individuals who have made check or cash payments to David Weigel, or to individuals or companies other than the DOT, for the purchase or rent of DOT land, may have information that can assist law enforcement in this case. Please call the IFIT office at 515-725-6290,” the release stated.