By Denise Lana,
Jury selection in the upcoming arson trail against Mindy Jones was slow but steady Tuesday at Allamakee County Courthouse in Waukon. Jones faces charges of first-degree arson and misdemeanor animal abuse stemming from the fiery destruction of a Waukon commercial building in February of 2022 which caused the death of a family dog.
Iowa Assistant Attorney General Israel Jacob Kodiaga will be prosecuting the case, alongside Allamakee County Attorney Anthony Gericke and Assistant Allamakee County Attorney Jill Kistler. Attorneys Aaron Hawbaker and Nicholas Thompson of the Waterloo Adult Public Defenders Office will be representing Jones.
Jones’ defense team submitted a motion last week, asking that her criminal and financial history not be entered as evidence. The defense argues both are irrelevant and would prove prejudicial. No ruling has been made on that issue by presiding Judge Laura Parrish.
At least 54 exhibits have been admitted for evidence, including numerous photographs of the fire, several videos, financial documents, bank records, social media posts and 911 calls. Waukon Fire Chief Dave Martin and Gayge Samuelson, vice president of FreedomBank, are among those expected to potentially testify during the trial.
Kistler said Tuesday the prosecution hoped to have 12 jury members and three alternates seated by the end of day — eight had been seated as of press time Tuesday afternoon — and Kistler speculated the prosecution’s case could be wrapped up by the end of this week.
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