Criminal charges have been filed against three local political candidates and a Washington business.  Washington County Attorney Larry Brock says the charges stem from recent primary races and May 19th and July 19th campaign disclosure statements filed with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board.

56 year old Jack Seward, Jr of West Chester has been charged with one count of Unlawful Receipt of a Monetary or In-Kind Campaign Contribution from a Corporation.  57 year old Robert Yoder of Kalona has been charged with one count of Unlawful Transfer of Campaign Funds and 24 year old Priscilla Marlar of rural Washington County has been charged with one count of Unlawful Receipt of a Monetary Campaign Contribution from a Corporation.

All counts are considered serious misdemeanors. Brock says these charges will not disqualify the candidates from running for election in November.

In addition, a total of seven criminal charges have been filed against Custom Impressions in Washington.  Six counts of Unlawful Campaign Sign Placement and one count of an Unlawful Campaign Contribution from a Corporation.  These counts are also considered serious misdemeanors.

The parties involved will be cited.  They will make an initial court appearance at a date to be determined.  Under Iowa law, a serious misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a minimum fine of $315 and a maximum fine of $1875.  A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the person charged is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. KCII will monitor this story and bring you more information when it becomes official.