EXPERIENCED. INDEPENDENT.
PROVEN.
I'm Chauncey Moulding
I am proud to serve as the Jefferson County Attorney. Since January 2019, I have represented the people of Jefferson County as the County’s chief criminal prosecutor and principal legal advisor. This office carries serious responsibilities: prosecuting crime, supporting victims, advising county government, protecting taxpayers, and fulfilling the duties required by Iowa law. I do not take that trust lightly.
A prosecutor must be more than an advocate. He must be an independent minister of justice, guided by the facts, the law, the Constitution, and the public interest. The guiding principle of my office is that everyone is equal under the law: no one is above its obligations, and no one is beneath its protections. That is why the motto of the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office is Fiat Justitia Ruat Caelum. “Let justice be done, though the heavens fall.” It is also why I often think of the simpler, unofficial motto my grandfather used to tell me: “Ain’t nobody special, boy.” Different words, same principle. The law must apply fairly, consistently, and without fear or favor.
Public service has been the throughline of my life. From serving in the United States Coast Guard in intelligence and counter-narcotics roles, to working for the judges of the Iowa Judicial Branch, to building my career as a prosecutor here in rural Iowa. I have spent most of my legal career in prosecution, including work with Union County, South Dakota, the South Dakota Attorney General, and as an assistant county attorney in Washington and Keokuk Counties before being elected in Jefferson County.
Being the prosecutor in my hometown is the best job in the world, and I am proud of the work my office has done. We have pursued serious narcotics traffickers, violent offenders, child exploitation cases, homicide cases, fugitives, and complex multi-county investigations. Just as importantly, we have worked to improve the administration of justice by strengthening relationships with law enforcement, judges, defense attorneys, neighboring county attorneys, state agencies, and county officials. I have also worked with the legislature to strengthen Iowa laws protecting victims, including improvements relating to stalking, victims of crime, and witness tampering. In a rural county, success depends on trust, coordination, judgment, and a willingness to do the work.
I am running for reelection because Jefferson County deserves experienced, steady, and independent leadership in the County Attorney’s Office. Rural communities face serious challenges with limited resources, and rural problems require rural solutions. That means protecting victims, holding offenders accountable, defending taxpayers, supporting constitutional and effective criminal justice, using technology and practical innovation, and keeping county government accessible, efficient, and focused on results. I stand firmly on my record, and I would be honored to continue serving the people of Jefferson County as your County Attorney.
Accomplishments & Priorities
Since taking office in 2019, my guiding principle has been simple: protect victims of violent crime, hold offenders accountable, and ensure that justice is done. The Jefferson County Attorney’s Office handles serious criminal prosecutions, advises county government, supports victims and witnesses, protects taxpayers, and works with law enforcement and community partners to keep our rural justice system functioning effectively. I am proud of the work we have done, and I stand firmly on that record.
Protect Victims, Witnesses, and Judical Integrity
One of the most meaningful parts of this job is identifying where the law needs improvement and working to strengthen it. Through the County Attorney Legislative Committee, I have advocated for reforms protecting victims, witnesses, and the justice system. In 2024, I proposed legislation strengthening penalties for assaults violating protective orders and enhancing Iowa’s witness-tampering laws. Both proposals became House Files 2098 and 2250, signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds and effective July 1, 2024. These laws reflect my belief that prosecutors must do more than litigate cases; they must help create a stronger, fairer, and effective justice system.
Working Together with Communities and Law Enforcement
The Jefferson County Attorney’s Office has handled serious cases involving violent crime, narcotics trafficking, weapons offenses, crimes against children, homicide, and complex criminal activity. Rural communities face significant public-safety challenges, often with fewer resources, requiring focused and coordinated enforcement. My office has partnered with law enforcement and neighboring counties on major drug investigations, targeting trafficking networks and addressing the harm caused by addiction, violence, and loss. We have also prioritized crimes against children, pursuing careful, trauma-informed prosecutions to protect vulnerable victims and seek justice. These efforts reflect our commitment to a safer, stronger community.
A Trusted Legal Advisor
The County Attorney’s Office serves not only as a criminal prosecution office but also as legal counsel for county government. We advise officials, protect county interests, resolve disputes, and provide practical legal guidance. I am proud of efforts to bring more legal work in-house and reduce outside expenses. In partnership with the Jefferson County Assessor, we moved real estate appraisal appeal work into the County Attorney’s Office, saving taxpayers significant money. My office continues to provide efficient, responsive counsel while protecting taxpayer resources and ensuring county government operates lawfully and effectively.
The Business Behind a Justice System
A strong justice system requires more than prosecution. It depends on functioning courts, access to counsel, effective law enforcement, and cooperation among agencies. When Jefferson County faced a shortage of attorneys accepting indigent defense appointments, I worked with the State Public Defender’s Office and county officials to support a local public defender presence, recognizing that justice requires both strong prosecution and meaningful defense. My office has also implemented practical programs, including payment assistance and diversion options, that promote accountability while helping people maintain employment, meet obligations, and avoid unnecessary long-term consequences.
The Business Behind a Justice System
Rural justice requires innovation and investment in the future. My office has partnered with law enforcement to improve technology and expand local forensic review capabilities for seized cell phones, strengthening investigations involving narcotics, exploitation, domestic violence, and other serious crimes. Building these resources locally saves time and improves outcomes. We have also prioritized developing future legal talent through internships and student opportunities. Supporting the next generation of attorneys and public servants helps ensure Jefferson County continues to have knowledgeable, dedicated professionals serving our courts and community.
Partnering with Our Fellow Iowans
Some cases require cooperation beyond Jefferson County. I have worked with prosecutors from surrounding counties, assisted other offices with specialized or conflict cases, and maintained strong working relationships with law enforcement, judges, defense attorneys, county officials, and prosecutors across southeast Iowa. Those relationships matter. When difficult cases arise, rural counties depend on trust, experience, and cooperation. I take pride in being an attorney other attorneys trust with difficult matters. That trust is earned through preparation, professionalism, and a willingness to take responsibility when the work needs to be done.
Proud to Serve the People
From serving in the United States Coast Guard in intelligence and counter-narcotics roles, to working for the Iowa Judicial Branch, to serving as a prosecutor in rural communities, my career has been built around public service. Being the County Attorney in my hometown is the best job in the world, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do this work. I am running for reelection because I believe Jefferson County deserves a County Attorney who is experienced, independent, practical, and focused on results. My record reflects a clear commitment: protecting victims, holding offenders accountable, strengthening the law, defending taxpayers, and ensuring that justice is done.
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