OSKALOOSA – The former Keokuk County Sheriff’s deputy who was on trial for 13 counts of child endangerment in the aftermath of a 2023 hayride accident has been found guilty on all charges.

The accident occurred in October 2023. Daniel Brubaker was driving the truck, which was pulling a gooseneck trailer with 29 kids in it, while Heady was a passenger. Brubaker allegedly lost control of the truck, sending it into a ditch and throwing all 29 children from the ride. The accident sent 3 of the children to the hospital. 

In court, Brubaker admitted to drinking several alcoholic beverages before driving, and court documents also show that Heady was highly intoxicated at the time. Brubaker pleaded guilty to all 13 charges in July.

Heady’s trial began in Mahaska County last week, and the guilty verdicts were delivered by the jury on Tuesday. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird called the situation “truly heartbreaking” and thanked the Iowa State Patrol and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations for their work in investigating the incident.

Heady’s sentencing is scheduled for October 17 at the Keokuk County Courthouse.