Hunter
07/29/24
A West Liberty public employee was arrested last week and has led to City Services closing Monday morning for an emergency meeting.
38-year-old Daniel Goodale, who is listed on the city’s website as the superintendent of the Water and Sewer Department, was arrested on July 24th for an incident that occurred outside City operations. The charge listed on Iowa Courts is 2nd degree Sexual abuse, and the criminal complaint identifies the victim as a child.
A post on the City of West Liberty’s Facebook page states the city and its employees have no further information or comments, as this is an ongoing investigation with the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Department.
Goodale has been placed on administrative leave until further notice. The post also says that city management and legal counsel will continue to monitor the situation.
City Services closed temporarily Monday until 11am for City leadership and employees to attend an emergency crisis meeting in order to best support and assist staff.
The Facebook post concluded, “We ask the community to PLEASE be respectful with comments and statements about the situation to our City employees, leadership, and the families who are negatively impacted by the situation.”
The Muscatine Journal reported that a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for August 2nd in Muscatine County Court. A no-contact order was issued between Goodale and the alleged victim. If convicted on the charge, Goodale could be sentenced to up to 25 years in prison.