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A Mount Pleasant man who was originally charged with two counts of attempted murder in connection with a shooting earlier this year has accepted a plea deal, according to court records.
Allen James Hart, 30, will plead guilty as charged to two counts of reckless use of a firearm, both Class D felonies, while the attempted murder counts, both Class B felonies, and one count of intimidation with a dangerous weapon -- injure/provoke fear, a Class C felony, will be dismissed in exchange.
A court filing indicates that the state will recommend an imposed sentence of 10 years total in prison for Hart along with a $1,025 fine and victim restitution. As part of the plea, Hart admits that he injured two people due to his reckless use of a firearm on March 1.
The incident in question resulted in the death of 33-year-old Gage Duane Gersema, also of Mt. Pleasant, but court records do not show evidence that Hart was suspected of playing any role in the killing. Marshalltown Police Chief Chris Jones told the T-R the investigation remains ongoing.
"This case remains active. We are currently seeking to locate Brent Aguilar (21) as a material witness. We are working closely with the Division of Criminal Investigation and the Marshall County Attorney’s Office as evidence continues to come in," he said.
Hart's sentencing hearing is set for Nov. 16 at 9:30 a.m.