Former Decorah attorney pleads innocent to criminal charges

Former Decorah attorney David Strand has entered an innocent plea to two criminal charges filed in a case involving alleged theft of client funds.

Strand faces a charge of First Degree Theft for allegedly taking more than $10,000 from an attorney trust fund; and a charge of Commission of Unlawful Activity for allegedly "unlawfully and willfully misappropriating" client funds from 2009 through 2012.

Because of Strand's work as an attorney in Decorah, on out-of-town judge--Judge Joel Dalrymple of Waterloo-- has been assigned to handle the criminal proceedings.  Strand has waived his right to a speedy trial, so a pretrial in the case is now scheduled for August 20th and a trial for September 5th.