Sheldon, Iowa — A Sheldon man has been arrested on felony neglect or abandonment charges.
According to a criminal complaint filed with the O’Brien County Clerk of Court’s Office by the Sheldon Police Department, 33-year-old John Tracy of Sheldon is accused of neglecting a dependent special-needs child. He was arrested on Saturday.
In his statement, the officer says when he arrived, Tracy showed several signs of intoxication. A breath test showed a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.188 percent, which is over twice the legal limit for driving. He says Tracy admitted to drinking most of a 24-pack of beer while he was caring for the child, who, the officer says, requires special care due to health issues including special medication and use of a feeding tube, both of which Tracy is accused of not doing at the appropriate time.
Tracy was charged with neglect or abandonment of a dependent person, a class C felony. If convicted, he could face up to ten years in prison.
Tracy faces a preliminary hearing on June 26th.
After being booked into the O’Brien County Jail in Primghar, Tracy was released the next day after posting bond.
