Hunter
01/09/20
A Tiffin man pleaded guilty this week to bringing weapons to and from work at his University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics job.
Reports indicate that 37-year-old Justin Skyles of Redbird Run was found with a fixed blade knife in excess of 8 inches long and a loaded semi-automatic pistol.
The items were discovered July 22nd in a bag that he allegedly carried to and from work when University of Iowa Police were contacted about Skyles.
A close contact of the man told dispatch that he was concerned for Skyles’ mental health, observing that he was keeping an eye on a Muslim doctor. He allegedly told one of the officers that he was preparing to protect his family if needed.
Records show that Skyles was a secretary in the Children’s Hospital cardiology department. He is no longer employed by the University.
Skyles had no permit to carry either weapon. The Iowa City Press-Citizen reports that according to the plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend a two-year suspended sentence, supervised probation, and the completion of a mental health evaluation with follow-up treatment.
Skyles could have faced a prison term not exceeding four years if convicted on charges of Carrying Weapons and Going Armed with a Knife over 8 inches long.