The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan
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The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan
The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Former JoCo Conservation Department superintendent charged with theft

Wade Schultz, 56, was charged with first and second-degree theft, tampering, and non-felonious misconduct.
Ariel Kolder, News Reporter
April 13, 2026
John Charlson
The Johnson County Courthouse is seen in Iowa City on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025.

Following a citation in a state audit for recieving more than $30,000 in unauthorized compensation and using department supplies and equipment for personal purposes, former Operations Superintendent of Johnson County Conservation Department was charged with theft in the Johnson County District Court.

According to the criminal complaint, Wade Schultz, 56, was charged with first and second-degree theft, tampering, and non-felonious misconduct. 

According to Iowa Code, first-degree theft, a class C felony, is punishable by jail time of no more than 10 years, with a sentencing fine ranging from $1,370 to $13,660. Second-degree theft, a class D felony, is punishable by no more than five years jail time and a fine between $1,025 and $10,245.

From Jan. 1, 2019, to June 30, 2024, State Auditor Rob Sand investigated the Johnson County Conservation Department regarding the misuse of funds by Schultz and former Director Larry Gullett.

RELATED: State auditor Investigation uncovers JoCo Conservation Department misused funds

According to a March 4, 2025, news release from the state auditor’s office, the investigation was requested by county and department officials due to concerns regarding the management of departmental inventory and certain financial transactions of the conservation department. 

Investigative steps included interviews with Johnson County officials and department personnel, as well as reviews of Schultz’s cell phone records, credit card activity, and bank accounts.

The procedures identified nearly $94,000 in funds tied to improper disbursements, unsupported disbursements, and uncollected revenue. Improper disbursements totaled roughly $63,000 and included unauthorized payroll for Schultz, improper credit card transactions, and fuel purchases. 

Unsupported disbursements accounted for roughly $24,000 involving purchases made with the department’s credit card, charge accounts, and county-issued checks. An additional roughly $5,300 in uncollected revenue stemmed from wood inventory that was allegedly given away, used personally, or traded.