(Winterset, Iowa) – Madison County Attorney Stephen S. Swanson, today (Friday) posted a statement saying “On April 17, 2025 [The County Attorney] filed a Petition for Removal From Office and Petition for Injunction against Madison County Treasurer Amanda DeVos.

“The petition was filed under Chapter 66 of the Iowa Code, and charges that Amanda Devos has engaged in willful misconduct, maladministration and failure to perform the duties of the office. The petition asks for Ms. Devos’ removal from office for her pending criminal charges, likely future charges, and failure to uphold her duties as an elected official.”

The County Attorney said also, that he has “Requests a temporary injunction be entered by the court, barring Ms. DeVos from being paid or receiving benefits for the pendency of the matter, and for a permanent injunction to be entered upon the conclusion of this matter.”

“The actions of Ms. Devos,” Swanson said, “have eroded public trust in the Madison County Treasurer’s office, disrupted county financial operations, and prompted investigations by the State Attorney General and the State Auditor’s Offices. Ms. Devos’ continued tenure,” he said, “risks further harm to Madison County Taxpayers, and the reputation of Madison County’s employees.

“Removal of a public official,” Swanson said, “is not an action to take lightly as, by removing a public official, you are undoing the results of an election. With that in mind, the people of Madison County deserve elected officials who they can trust to guide the County. Madison County deserves officials with the best interest of the people in their mind and heart,” said County Attorney Swanson, and that “Ms. DeVos’ action have violated that trust. Ms. Devos’ action benefited only herself, and she caused great harm to the County and its reputation.” He said for those reasons, “it is appropriate and necessary to petition for her removal.”

He concluded by adding: “The public is reminded the charges are an accusation, and individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.” Madison County Treasurer Amanda DeVos was arrested in January on charges of fraud, theft and misconduct in office. Investigators say she mis-allocated more than a quarter of a million dollars over a period of several months.

As a result, the Madison County Board of Supervisors approved three motions in February to block DeVos’ access to county accounts and to change locks on buildings she could access. Kylee Barber, the deputy treasurer, was appointed to take over DeVos’ duties.