MASON CITY – Tim Behm, age 53 of Mason city, who was originally charged with 23 felony counts of theft, forgery and fraudulent practice, entered court today.
After over two years of legal maneuvering and delay tactics for alleged crimes he and his family committed against their former employer, an agreement was reached between the state of Iowa and the defendants. Tim Behm agreed to a trial on the minutes in exchange for charges against his father John W. Behm and brother Scott Behm being dropped.
Behm’s trial on seven counts of theft will be decided by the Honorable Judge Rustin Davenport of Mason City on a trial on the minutes. Behm waived his constitutional right to a jury trial and his defense attorney did not contest the charges.
The criminal case was prosecuted by Robert Sand, Assistant Iowa Attorney General, with the Iowa Department of Transportation, Mason City Police Department and Cerro Gordo Attorney Office participating in the investigation and prosecution of the Behm family.
Don O’Connor representing Mason City Ford was reached for comment this afternoon, saying “We would like to thank Mr. Rob Sand, the Iowa DOT, the Mason City Police Department and Cerro Gordo County Attorney’s Office for their hard work and dedication for seeking justice in this difficult and complex case.”
A dealer principal, Jim Skarlis, was also reached for comment. Mr. Skarlis told NIT that “we are confident that Judge Davenport will review the evidence and hold Tim Behm accounable for the crimes he committed.”
