In early September, three Iowa residents were arrested following an incident where they allegedly took photos of teenagers with nooses around their necks at Lake Wapello State Park in Iowa.
According to reports, the adults believed to be involved have been accused of forcing two teens to pose for photos with nooses hanging from a tree branch around their necks. The incident reportedly happened on August 11 near a cabin in the Lake Wapello State Park.
The criminal complaint contains an account of what the authorities believe happened during the incident. They reported that the three suspects allegedly tied a noose, hung it from a tree, and instructed the teenagers to retrieve a chair. The teens were then reportedly told to stand on the chair while the nooses were placed around their necks. Afterward, the suspects reportedly took photographs of the teenagers. It is not clear why the pictures were allegedly taken, or what possible motives the accused parties had.
One of the teenagers involved has Asperger’s syndrome, and the individual reportedly said they were uncomfortable but decided to go along with the situation to avoid a potential conflict with the suspects.
On September 6, the three suspects were taken into custody by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. They were booked into the Polk County Jail, and they are each facing preliminary charges of conspiracy to commit a non-forcible felony, aggravated misdemeanor charges of harassment, child endangerment, and assault with intent to inflict serious injury. They were released from jail after posting $10,000 bail each, and they are not allowed to have any contact with the alleged victims. It was reported that the authorities are still investigating the case.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.