Iowa: Charges filed in Iowa casino investigation

Charges filed in Iowa casino investigation
DES MOINES, Iowa

A special prosecutor has filed charges against four people and two gambling entities after an investigation into campaign contributions made to Iowa Gov. Chet Culver by gaming interests in Webster County.

Special Counsel Lawrence F. Scalise says he filed the charges Monday in Polk County District Court.

Martin Brent Stevens, Jonathan Swain, Steve Daniel and Curtis Beason, as well Peninsula Gaming Partners LLC and Webster County Entertainment were charged with violating campaign disclosure laws. Beason faces an additional count of obstruction.

Attorney General Tom Miller appointed Scalise in July after questions were raised about campaign contributions from a group seeking a state license to operate a casino in Fort Dodge.

Scalise says there is no evidence of wrongdoing by anyone other than those named, apparently clearing Culver of any involvement.

Telephone messages left for Stevens, Swain and Beason were not immediately returned. A listing for Daniel couldn't be immediately located.