Swanson’s trial date moved back

By Matt Milner, Courier staff writer

May 16, 2008 12:40 am

— OTTUMWA — The trial for Bob Swanson, the city’s former cemetery superintendent, will not start next week as previously scheduled. But no one seems to have a new date.
Neither the Iowa Attorney General’s office nor the defense attorney had information about a new trial date on Thursday. Court records still show an order setting the trial for next Tuesday.
The most recent order delays the pre-trial conference to June 9. That indicates the trial is being moved back. Steven Gardner, Swanson’s attorney, said he expects the judge to set a trial date at the pre-trial conference.
The attorney general’s office is prosecuting the case; Wapello County Attorney Allen Cook is not involved.
“Nobody in my office is permitted to be involved in that case,” Cook said, explaining that his involvement could create the perception of a conflict of interest.
Cook worked for Harrison, Moreland, and Webber prior to being elected county attorney. The Ottumwa Cemetery Board hired Gayla Harrison, one of the firm’s partners, as their attorney.