March 29, 2024

Kulow pleads guilty

After entering a plea of “not guilty” during a Jan. 29 arraignment hearing, Beth Nicole Kulow, former Southwestern Community College Dean of Student Services, withdrew her previous plea and pleaded guilty to one count of falsification of a public document – a Class D felony – and one count of theft in the second-degree – a Class D felony – during a pretrial conference hearing April 5 at the Union County Courthouse.

According to court documents, Kulow’s plea was accepted.

The Fifth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services (DOC) has been ordered to prepare and file a presentence investigation report not less than three days prior to May 17 – the date of sentencing. Kulow was ordered to report to the DOC within 48 hours to provide such information and documents as required for the purpose of preparing the report.

Additionally, Kulow was advised of her right to challenge the court’s acceptance of her guilty plea by filing a motion of arrest of judgment and the bond pending her sentencing will continue.

Original charge

Kulow, 35, 1408 Clayton Rd., was charged on a Union County warrant for falsifying public documents and three counts of second-degree theft 4:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Union County Law Enforcement Center.

Union County Attorney Tim Kenyon said, since the pretrial hearing, the three theft counts have been “lumped” into one.

According to court documents, while Kulow was employed as dean of student services at Southwestern Community College, she submitted written documentation in support of an authorization for payment of travel expenses. Upon review, college personnel determined the event had not occurred, the trip was not associated with college business and the email submitted by Kulow had been altered.

Additionally, Kulow authorized and approved payments or reimbursement for personal travel and travel related expenses, wedding-related expenses and personal items totalling $15,064.48, which she later reimbursed the college for with a personal check.

Sentencing

When Kenyon was asked if a deferred judgment or probation are possible for Kulow, he said it is a possibility, but ultimately it is up to the court to decide.

A deferred judgement is a sentencing option, sometimes available under Iowa law, if specific criteria apply. Under this option, the adjudication of guilt and the sentence are deferred by the court. The court retains the ability to enter a judgment of guilt and impose a sentence if the defendant does not comply with the conditions set by the court.

However, Kenyon said, considering the type of case and the amount of money involved, it would not be unusual for Kulow to receive probation.

“The court has the full range of sentencing options and there are no mandatory minimums,” said Kenyon.

Kulow’s sentencing hearing is schedule 9:30 a.m. May 17 at the Union County Courthouse.