The Iowa Court official involved in creating a false same-sex marriage for a couple from Florida is now facing a fourth charge from a prosecutor, according to an article posted on sfgate.com.
Brigitte Van Nice, former Deputy Clerk in Grundy County, officiated a false Valentine's Day marriage for a Florida couple who could not marry in their own state and created invalid documents for the couple with false witness signatures.
According to the complaint filed, Van Nice told 28-year-old Joab Penney and his then-partner, Joseph Parker, that they did not have to come to Iowa in order for her to legally be able to officiate their marriage and could handle the ceremony with witness of her own via teleconference.
The couple paid Van Nice $150 and received documents stating that they were married, which Penney discovered were false when he attempted to file for a divorce in Florida.
A criminal investigation was launched when the documents were turned over because they were found to be falsified and Van Nice was arrested last month on charges associated with creating a false marriage for the couple.
Van Nice originally faced three charges upon her arrest. She was charged with two counts of forgery and one of perjury.
A prosecutor has added a charge of tampering with records to the ones she already faces.
According to a statement made by her attorney Tuesday, Van Nice plans to plead not guilty and will file a written plea soon. He has yet to state when.
Brigitte Van Nice, former Deputy Clerk in Grundy County, officiated a false Valentine's Day marriage for a Florida couple who could not marry in their own state and created invalid documents for the couple with false witness signatures.
According to the complaint filed, Van Nice told 28-year-old Joab Penney and his then-partner, Joseph Parker, that they did not have to come to Iowa in order for her to legally be able to officiate their marriage and could handle the ceremony with witness of her own via teleconference.
The couple paid Van Nice $150 and received documents stating that they were married, which Penney discovered were false when he attempted to file for a divorce in Florida.
A criminal investigation was launched when the documents were turned over because they were found to be falsified and Van Nice was arrested last month on charges associated with creating a false marriage for the couple.
Van Nice originally faced three charges upon her arrest. She was charged with two counts of forgery and one of perjury.
A prosecutor has added a charge of tampering with records to the ones she already faces.
According to a statement made by her attorney Tuesday, Van Nice plans to plead not guilty and will file a written plea soon. He has yet to state when.
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