The former owner of Holzhauer Motors has pled not guilty to charges of theft and illegal enterprise.
64-year-old Daniel Winchell was arrested back on December 8th, eventually being charged in Cherokee County with eight counts of first-degree theft, one court of illegal enterprise, and one count of ongoing criminal conduct. On February 9th, Winchell was also charged in Buena Vista County with three additional counts of first-degree theft and one count of ongoing criminal conduct, bringing the total number of charges to 14.
The alleged thefts took place at Holzhauer’s locations in Cherokee and Storm Lake. According to court documents, Winchell allegedly kept fees customers paid for vehicle titles and registrations, and did not turn them in to county treasurers. Customers would then have to also pay the treasurer to obtain them. He allegedly sold 63 vehicles out of trust, with money collected but not repaid to lenders exceeding $10,000.
In addition to the criminal charges, Winchell also currently faces multiple lawsuits. Court documents show that Winchell has waived his right to a speedy trial, currently set for June 2nd, and his arraignment in Buena Vista County will take place today.
