On March 23, at approximately 11:47 a.m., the Wapello County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to the 9000 block of Miller Chapel Road in Ottumwa regarding a property dispute that escalated into an assault.
According to the victim, 61-year-old Rick Halm of Ottumwa physically assaulted her and threatened to kill her with a knife that was on the kitchen table. The victim also reported that Halm had taken her car keys to prevent her from leaving the home.
Authorities questioned Halm, who admitted to having the car keys inside the house. Deputies followed him to retrieve the keys and observed the knife on the kitchen table. Halm reportedly intended to intimidate and alarm the victim by threatening a forcible felony, specifically murder, despite having no legitimate reason to do so.
The victim stated that Halm had grabbed her by the throat, leaving visible redness on her neck. When deputies asked about the altercation, Halm initially admitted to choking the victim but later claimed he only grabbed her by the neck.
Halm was arrested and transported to the Wapello County Jail. A no-contact order was issued on March 25, 2025, and remains in effect until January 21, 2031.
Court proceedings have been ongoing. A plea and sentencing hearing was held on October 29, 2025, and the sentencing was initially scheduled for December 18 but was continued and rescheduled for January 21, 2026. Halm faces charges including:
- Harassment – 1st degree (aggravated misdemeanor)
- Harassment – 3rd degree (simple misdemeanor)
- Willful Injury – 2 counts (Class D felony)
- Extortion (Class C felony, later dismissed by the court on January 21, 2026)
Halm remains in the Wapello County Jail pending further proceedings.
