Former Plymouth County deputy sentenced for stealing prescription drugs

SIOUX CITY (KTIV) - A former sheriff’s deputy in northwest Iowa has been sentenced for stealing prescription drugs from the department’s evidence rooms, and homes he was searching while on duty.

Aaron Leusink, a former Plymouth County Sheriff’s deputy, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison.

Court documents state Leusink entered guilty pleas earlier this year to eleven counts, including first-degree burglary and felonious misconduct in office.

Leusink was accused of taking prescription drugs from homes he was searching, and pills that were evidence in other cases. Leusink was also accused of committing burglaries at five Plymouth County pharmacies.

Former Plymouth County Sheriff Mike Van Otterloo spoke during the two-hour sentencing. Van Otterloo said the sheriff’s office has been given a black eye because of Leusink’s actions. He also said Leusink’s actions will put a negative focus on their profession, but they will not allow it to define who they are -- and he prays Leusink will get the help he needs.

Leusink also spoke and talked about his struggles with addiction and said that he accepts responsibility for his actions.

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