News : Benton County Settles Lawsuit for $125,000 with former Deputy

Following the 2024 election, Benton County selected a new Benton County Sheriff, David Upah. As is customary, the new Sheriff also selects his own First Deputy. Upah replaced First Deputy, John Lindaman, who served under former Sheriff Ronald Tippett, with his own selection of First Deputy, Josh Karsten.

Following the transition, Lindaman filed a complaint against the county on October 10, 2025, with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission CP# 10-25-84472 and it is cross-filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission case No. 26A-2026-00034.

An independent investigation was done by Heartland Insurance Pool, the insurers for the county in 2025.  The investigation concluded that the complaint was unfounded. 

The county settled the case in an agreement signed on December 16, 2025. The agreement was between Benton County and former Benton County Deputy, John Lindaman. The usual verbiage is included:

-Non-Admission of liability and did not admit any violation of federal, state, local statues or ordinances

-Lindaman is the owner of the claims

-Each party is liable for their own legal fees

-Complaints were filed with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission CP# 10-25-84472 and cross-filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission No. 26A-2026-00034.

-Lindaman was placed on unpaid administrative leave, November 20, 2025 where Lindaman could use his paid time off while Benton County paid his benefits

-Lindaman voluntarily resigns 

-Lindaman agrees not to apply for any employment in the county

In exchange, the county agrees to settle for $125,000, remaining sick leave bank, vacation bank and personal leave bank in full. Payments will be made in two payments.

1) $100,000 without deductions or withholding made by Benton County's insurer, Heartland Insurance Risk Pool

2) $25,000 as wages, subject to IPERS and other withholdings to be reported in 2025

3) Benton County will pay remaining sick leave, vacation leave and personal days at the First Deputy rate effective on November 20, 2025. 

Lindaman claimed that he was demoted. His claims were not limited to: denied accommodation, discipline, undesirable assignment/transfer and retaliation. He also claimed a disability, the nature of the disability was redacted from the released report. 

The county denied a violation of Lindaman's rights or unlawful action was taken against him.