Department of Transportation Theft Climbs to $500,000, Investigation Team Says

A third man has been charged in an ongoing investigation into theft related to Department Of Transportation land sales, leases and maintenance contracts, according to a release from the Department of Public safety.

Jason Weigel, 30, of Nevada was arrested and charged with ongoing criminal conduct, a Class B felony, fraudulent practices, a Class C felony, and identity theft, a Class D felony this week. The Iowa Financial Investigation Team made the arrest on Tuesday July 23.

The Department of Public Safety said Weigel was involved in stealing money and land from the Department of Transportation.

David Weigel also of Nevada was charged with first-degree theft, conspiracy to commit theft, on-going criminal conduct, money laundering and felonious misconduct in office in May. And Grady Marx, of Sioux City, was also charged with first-degree theft, conspiracy to commit a felony, ongoing criminal conduct and money laundering also in May. Both men have since received an additional charge of one count of fraudulent practices, a Class C felony.

The Department of Public Safety said the three men have taken at least $500,000 from the DOT.

David 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 since 1997. And Marx is accused of receiving funds from DOT land sales and mowing contracts and funneling some of that money to David Weigel.

Jason Weigel was involved in the conspiracy from July 2008 to October 2010, according to a preliminary complaint filed in Polk County Court.

In at least one instance, Jason Weigel had reportedly mowed DOT property, but another woman received payments for the services that was given to David Weigel, according to court documents related to David Weigel's charges.

No other information was released about Weigel's charges. He was being held Tuesday on unrelated charges in the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility, according to the release.

The Weigels and Marx face several years in prison. Class B felonies are punishable by up to 25 years in prison, Class C felonies are punishable by up to 10 years in prison and Class D felonies are punishable by up to five years in prison.

See Earlier Story

DCI: Nevada Man Stole $400 Grand From DOT