A former Jefferson woman was recently found guilty on charges of sexual abuse and drug possession.

According to court documents, 39-year-old Shanda Ellingson was found guilty on the trial by minutes for a Class C Felony for third degree sexual abuse, a Class D Felony for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, and an aggravated misdemeanor for child endangerment. Court documents show that a trial by the minutes means the defendant waived her right to a jury trial and chose to base her case off of the minutes given to the trial information. The defendant also does not have the opportunity to question, argue, or contradict the evidence presented in the minutes.

District Court Judge Christopher Polking found Ellingson played a role in the sexual abuse that her husband, Benjamin Ellignson, did with two minor victims. Court documents show that an investigation by the Iowa Department of Human Services and the Jefferson Police Department noted several sexual acts were performed by Benjamin on the minors, while Shanda was present or had knowledge and did not report it to authorities. 

Court documents also show that Shanda and Benjamin went to Colorado and purchased marijuana with the intent of selling it in Iowa for profit. After Benjamin was arrested on June 3, 2022, he bonded out of jail and he and Shanda left on June 6th and both were later arrested in Muscatine on November 10, 2022. Benjamin was recently sentenced to prison for 55 years for his role. 

Court documents show that Shanda’s sentence hearing is scheduled for November. Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.