Black Hawk Co. supervisors pass resolution calling for member’s resignation

BLACK HAWK COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) - The Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 Tuesday in favor of a resolution calling for the resignation of supervisor Chris Schwartz, following multiple sexual abuse charges an arrest last October, and another arrest two weeks ago.

Schwartz, who was not at Tuesday’s meeting but joined remotely, was the only board member to vote against the resolution.

He still serves on the board and has continued to work since his original arrest last year. The other four supervisors do not have the authority to remove him from his position -- only Schwartz himself can resign at this point.

Formal calls for his resignation came only after his most recent arrest, which stirred backlash from the community. Tuesday, supervisors expressed fear that the scandal would overshadow the work the Board does for the county.

“Whether Chris resigns or not, we need to have to have some statement out to show where we stand in the situation,” Supervisor Ritch Kurtenbach said.

Kurtenbach also explained that it isn’t the supervisors’ place to condemn Schwartz until he sees a conviction, which may not happen until after his term is over at the end of this year.

“It’s a distraction - the legal process he has to go through,” Kurtenbach said. “I do not question Chris’ integrity when it comes to taking care of the people and the business of the county. He’s shown that time and time again.”

Criminal complaints from October listed two incidents in August 2023 where Schwartz is accused of engaging in sexual activity with someone while they were incapacitated. He pleaded not guilty to the accusations.

Court documents from his most recent arrest accuse him of engaging in a sex act by force with an individual in August 2024.

Supervisors Tavis Hall and Justin Brandt released separate statements saying the ongoing legal charges have become a distraction from county business.