[caption id="attachment_18856" align="alignleft" width="300"] Barbara Galkowski[/caption] [caption id="attachment_18857" align="alignright" width="300"] Marshall Galkowski[/caption] The Vinton Police Department has filed criminal charges against two Vinton residents related to a case that originated in Vinton on Tuesday, January 16, 2018. This case involved children living in unsanitary conditions in a house containing approximately 700 animals which were not being adequately cared for. Barbara Dyan Galkowski, age 38, and Marshall Ray Galkowski, age 36, of Vinton were booked into the Benton County Jail, taken before a magistrate, and released on their own recognizance. Each of the Galkowskis were charged with the following offenses;
  1. Three (3) counts of Child Endangerment (Aggravated Misdemeanor), section 726.6(1)(a) / 726.6(7) of the Code of Iowa
  1. Four (4) counts of Animal Neglect (Simple Misdemeanor), section 717B.3(1)(a) / 717B.3(3) of the Code of Iowa.
An administrative search warrant had been executed on the above date by the City of Vinton’s building inspector and the Vinton Police Department due to suspected violations of city ordinances and nuisance abatement. The Iowa Department of Human Services is continuing to work with the family to ensure the continued care of the involved children. An arrest or criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant(s) is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. -- Submitted by the Vinton PD