Charges reduced against men who broke into Iowa courthouses

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Charges have been reduced to a simple misdemeanor for two cybersecurity workers who were arrested after breaking into an Iowa courthouse last month as part of a security test conducted by state court administrators.

Court records show County Attorney Charles Sinnard asked a district court judge Friday to reduce the charge from felony burglary to a trespass charge.

Officials say 29-year-old Justin Wynn, of Naples, Florida, and 43-year old Gary Demercurio, of Seattle, work for Westminster, Colorado-based cybersecurity company Coalfire. The company contracted with judiciary officials to conduct security tests at Iowa courthouses and the state court building.

State court officials admitted they made mistakes and apologized.

Wynn and Demercurio were caught inside the Dallas County Courthouse in Adel after midnight Sept. 11 and arrested.

Sinnard’s motion says he’s reducing the charges based on newly discovered evidence. He said Monday in an email that the charge better fits the facts of this case.

Judge Terry Rickers approved the change Friday and set a Nov. 6 hearing for both men.