Priest enters plea

in theft case

ALGONA — A Roman Catholic priest accused of stealing about $70,000 from two churches in Kossuth County has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge, according to court records.

The Rev. Steven McLoud, of Fort Dodge, pleaded guilty to third degree fraudulent practice, court records indicate. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Monday.

When he was charged by Kossuth County sheriff’s deputies in August 2024, he was charged with first degree theft and first degree fraudulent practice.

In the criminal complaints filed against him, deputies wrote that between August 2017 and January 2023, McLoud “knowingly falsified receipts of utility bills, reimbursement of mileage expenses and other expense documents.” He was accused of taking $69,781.82.

Deputies reported that the money was stolen from Divine Mercy Parish — St. Cecelia in Algona and Divine Mercy Parish — St. John the Baptist in Bancroft.

Court records show McLoud pleaded guilty to the reduced charge on Dec. 1.

The plea agreement calls for him to pay $855, plus $5,000 in restitution, and serve probation.

Catholic Mutual Group, of Omaha, Nebraska, has submitted a request for $69,779.82 in restitution.

FD man pleads guilty in federal meth case

A Fort Dodge man has pleaded guilty to federal charges for helping to distribute five pounds of methamphetamine in the community, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa reported.

Federal prosecutors said Melvin Boone, 46, pleaded guilty on Monday to:

∫ Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine

∫ Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a protected location.

Prosecutors said that between October 2023 and March 2025, he was part of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the Fort Dodge area. They also reported that in July 2024 he distributed meth to an individual cooperating with law enforcement within 1,000 feet of St. Edmond Catholic School.

Boone remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshal’s Service awaiting sentencing.

Police Log

FORT DODGE

Monday

An assault was reported in the 700 block of First Avenue South.

A vehicle accident was reported at U.S. Highway 169 and Second Avenue South.

A vehicle accident was reported in the 800 block of Kenyon Road.

A hit and run accident was reported at 1 Triton Circle.

A welfare check was conducted in the 10 block of South 15th Street.

A theft was reported in the 100 block of South 29th Street.

Harassment was reported in the 1100 block of South 28th Street.

A parking complaint was reported in the 1000 block of Fourth Avenue North.

A theft was reported in the 3300 block of Fifth Avenue South.

A theft was reported in the 1800 block of First Avenue South.

An assault was reported in the 300 block of First Avenue South.

A theft was reported in the 500 block of South 22nd Street.

Water problems were reported in the 3000 block of 10th Avenue South.

A vehicle accident was reported in the 2900 block of Fifth Avenue South.

A fraud was reported in the 1600 block of First Avenue South.

A vehicle accident was reported at 25th Street and First Avenue South.

A civil dispute was reported in the 1100 block of Avenue B.

A hit and run accident was reported in the 800 block of Kenyon Road.

A burglary was reported in the 1500 block of Eighth Avenue South.

A hit and run accident was reported in the 500 block of Fourth Avenue North.

A theft was reported in the 3000 block of First Avenue South.

A vehicle accident was reported in the 2500 block of Fifth Avenue South.

Disorderly conduct was reported in the 3000 block of First Avenue South.

A vehicle accident was reported at Second Avenue South and 29th Street.

A theft was reported in the 2100 block of Second Avenue North.

A welfare check was conducted in the 1300 block of First Avenue North.

A fight was reported in the 2900 block of North 14th Street.

An escape was reported in the 300 block of First Avenue South.

Magistrate Court

WEBSTER COUNTY

Tuesday

Third degree theft — William A. Robishaw III, 44, 106 N. 10th St., failed to appear, arrest warrant issued. Coty A. Sumrall, 38, Fort Dodge, failed to appear, arrest warrant issued.

Operating while under the influence, first offense — Shana J. Helmers, 43, 2221 Highland Park Ave., preliminary hearing waived.

Fifth degree theft — Delise E. Villa, 20, Sylmar, California, $105, one year probation.

Reckless use of fire/explosives/destructive devices — Joshua L. Brown, 43, Fort Dodge, preliminary hearing waived.