Sheriff offers limited information on Stoever arrest

Clay County Sheriff Randy Krukow shared limited information following the arrest and subsequent charges filed against Caleb Dean Stoever, 23, of Spencer, on Saturday, Nov. 17. He is scheduled for a preliminary appearance at 10 a.m. today on charges of felony incest and second degree sexual abuse.

Due to the sensitive nature of the charges, Krukow exercised caution when discussing details of the case, being concerned with protecting the victim.

"It occurred while the defendant was a juvenile," Krukow said of the alleged incident. "We find out about it now, seven years later. The victim was also a juvenile at the time."

He continued, "We've been in contact with her several times."

Stoever was charged with both felony counts, following a joint investigation between Iowa and Minnesota law enforcement agencies.

He was taken into custody at 7:10 a.m. Nov. 17, at the Clay County Jail, and charged as a result of an investigation between the Clay County Sheriff's Office and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The Clay County Attorney's Office approved the charges.

The investigation alleged that Stoever committed sexual abuse, performing sex acts by force or against the will of another. It is also alleged that the child was known by Stoever to be related to him.

Stoever had been residing in Minnesota and attending college at the time of the investigation and subsequent arrest.

"He was cooperative while being interviewed and turned himself in," Krukow said.