On Friday, December 28th, 2018, the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office conducted tobacco compliance checks throughout Palo Alto County, as a part of I-PLEDGE program. The I-PLEDGE program is a partnership with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) to educate local retailers and to enforce Iowa’s tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product laws.
During the tobacco compliance checks, the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office cited Rebecca Hejna (56), of Graettinger for providing tobacco to a minor 1st offense, which is a simple misdemeanor. Hejna was issued a citation and given a court date to appear before a magistrate at a later date. Hejna is employed with the Graettinger Country Store and sold a tobacco product to an underage person who was under the supervision of the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.