The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors narrowly approved Sheriff Bart Richmond’s request to bring in outside legal counsel, a decision underscoring the sharp divisions between the sheriff and County Attorney Chauncey Moulding.
On Monday, supervisors first voted unanimously to hire Jon Thomas of Workforce Solutions to carry out an administrative investigation tied to two sheriff’s office employees who may face discipline. That contract will cost $3,500.
The more divisive question came when Richmond asked to have attorney Skylar Limkemann of Smith Mills Law represent his office during the investigation. After nearly 40 minutes of debate, supervisors voted 2–1 to approve the request, but limited Limkemann’s work to 20 hours, or $5,000 in fees. Supervisors Joe Ledger and Lee Dimmitt supported the motion, while Susie Drish opposed it.
At the heart of the disagreement is Richmond’s ongoing legal battle with Moulding. Earlier this year, Richmond successfully convinced a district judge to remove his name from the Brady-Giglio list—a registry of officials prosecutors deem unreliable witnesses. Moulding appealed that ruling to the Iowa Supreme Court, creating a conflict that Richmond argues prevents him from relying on the county attorney’s office for impartial representation.
Moulding countered that he remains legally and ethically bound to serve as the sheriff’s counsel, despite the appeal. He questioned why Richmond was suddenly seeking outside advice after previously indicating he didn’t need it, and said his office continues to provide day-to-day legal support to the sheriff.
Richmond pushed back, pointing to what he sees as conflicts of interest. He noted that the county attorney represents the Civil Service Commission in employee disciplinary appeals and has already spoken with one of the employees potentially facing discipline. He told supervisors that independent representation was the only way to ensure fairness and avoid what he described as “false accusations” that have already cost him $54,000 in personal legal fees.
The supervisors themselves were divided. Ledger argued it was impossible for Moulding to fairly represent Richmond while simultaneously litigating against him. Dimmitt initially questioned the need for outside counsel, citing coverage through the Iowa Communities Assurance Pool, but agreed after pushing for a cap on hours to control expenses. Drish voted no, saying she hoped the two officials could resolve their differences without continuing to drain taxpayer resources.
The new approvals add another $8,500 in county expenses—$3,500 for the investigation and $5,000 for legal counsel—on top of Richmond’s personal costs. After the vote, Moulding criticized the decision, warning that taxpayers shouldn’t be asked to fund new attorneys every time the sheriff disagrees with his legal advice.
The dispute between Richmond and Moulding shows no signs of easing, with the underlying Brady-Giglio case still pending before the Iowa Supreme Court. Until it is resolved, Jefferson County officials may find themselves forced to revisit the question of outside legal counsel again.
