Special to the Times Vedette
The Guthrie County Attorney’s office released the following reports on Sept. 3, summarizing their work on two cases. The reports do not include all criminal convictions and sentences but provide a summary of notable entries.
CINDY LOUISE RANDEL
On April 18, Cindy Louise Randel, 52, was convicted by a jury of the following crimes: (1) Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, Over 5g but Under 5 kg, a Class B Felony; (2) Failure To Affix Drug Tax Stamp – 7 Or More Grams, a Class D Felony; (3) Maintaining a Drug House, an Aggravated Misdemeanor, and (4) Possession Of A Controlled Substance, Marijuana 1st Offense, a Serious Misdemeanor. On June 24, 2024 with the Honorable Judge David Faith presiding, the Court sentenced Randel to a 25-year prison sentence.
The charges stem from a search warrant executed on the residence of Cindy Louise Randel on March 19, 2023, which resulted in criminal charges being filed. She was alleged to have possessed in excess of 83 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver, as well as failing to affix the appropriate tax stamp, label or other official indicia, maintaining a drug house, and possession of marijuana.
The Panora Police Department, Stuart Police Department, Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) assisted in the investigation. The case was prosecuted through the Guthrie County Attorney’s Office.
BENJAMIN WYATT BARNES
On July 29, Benjamin Wyatt Barnes, 34, was convicted of Sex Offender Registration Requirement Violation – 2nd Offense, a Class D Felony. On July 29, with the Honorable Judge David Faith presiding, the Court sentenced Barnes to a five-year prison sentence. This prison sentence runs consecutively (back-to-back) with Barnes’ criminal cases out of Cass County for a total prison sentence of 10 years.
The charges stem from the execution of an arrest warrant upon information being received that Barnes was residing in Yale. Barnes was listed on the Iowa Sex Offender Registry Most Wanted list prior to his arrest on June 24.
The Iowa Department of Corrections and the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation. The case was prosecuted through the Guthrie County Attorney’s Office.