A federal lawsuit has been filed against Jefferson County by a former paramedic, Judy Heisel, who claims she faced retaliation after reporting professional misconduct within the ambulance service.
The legal action names several county officials, including County Attorney Chauncey Moulding, Medical Director Dr. Amanda Moreno, and supervisors Dee Sandquist, Lee Dimmitt, and Susie Drish.
Background and Initial Reporting
Jefferson County established a public ambulance service in October 2023. Heisel was hired as base manager in May 2023, reporting to Ambulance Director Brian Thomas. In April 2024, after Thomas resigned, Heisel was asked to serve as interim director.
On April 29, 2024, Heisel discovered that EMT Damien Wimmer had engaged in conduct outside his authorized scope of practice. She immediately reported this to human resources and Dr. Moreno. Wimmer was suspended for two weeks.
Moreno assured Heisel she would report the incident to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of EMS.
Subsequent Incidents and Termination
In May 2024, while working as a Libertyville first responder, Wimmer again performed EMS work beyond his scope. Heisel reported this second incident to the same officials and the regional EMS coordinator.
Heisel later learned that Moreno had not formally reported the first incident as required. On June 21, 2024, Heisel reported both incidents, leading to Wimmer’s termination that same day. The lawsuit notes that Wimmer and Moreno “have been close friends for several years.”
State records show Wimmer had prior disciplinary actions for exceeding his scope of practice, including warnings and suspensions in 2013, 2014, and 2015. No public action has been taken regarding the 2024 allegations.
Hiring Process and Allegations
Moreno and Reed were appointed to the hiring committee for the ambulance director position. Heisel was the only internal applicant.
Her first interview occurred on June 20, 2024. Four days later, Supervisors Dimmitt and Drish expressed support for Heisel during a conversation in her office.
On June 26, 2024, during her second interview, Moreno participated via Zoom while vacationing with Wimmer. About 30 minutes in, Moreno stated, “the elephant in the room” was the “internal Dumpster fire” of the ambulance service.
Moreno then asked Heisel about her relationship with former director Brian Thomas, clarifying she was “referring to Heisel having sexual relations with Thomas.” Heisel responded she would not discuss her personal life, to which Moreno replied the issue was that Thomas had been her boss.
County Attorney Moulding advised board members they could ask any questions they deemed appropriate.
A heated discussion followed, during which Moreno claimed she’d “heard that Heisel and Thomas were having sex in the ambulance building” and that people were telling her Heisel was abusing prescription drugs. Moreno added, “we can’t have people abusing prescription substances or being put on EKGs and getting IVs at work — all in reference to Heisel.”
Job Offer and Aftermath
On July 11, 2024, Reed told Heisel that Moreno’s statements had created potential liability for the county.
The board later offered the director position to an outside candidate, Josh Hemminger, at a salary of $85,000.
After an August 5, 2024 meeting formalizing Hemminger’s hiring, county officials made a “theoretical job offer” to Heisel without providing details, demanding immediate acceptance or termination. Heisel rejected the severance package and was told to leave that day.
Hours later, police were called to the ambulance building for reported destruction of property. Moulding informed officers of a network intrusion, with computers appearing “factory reset,” resulting in data loss. No arrests were made.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
On August 13, 2024, a complaint was filed with the Iowa Public Information Board alleging Open Meetings Law violations during the June 24, 2024 hiring discussion. An audio recording was attached.
The complaint was resolved informally, with the county acknowledging potential violations. Moulding then signed an affidavit alleging Heisel recorded the August 5, 2024 discussion illegally, forwarding it for criminal charges.
The affidavit claimed Moulding noticed Heisel’s phone on her desk during the meeting, with the screen indicating recording was active.
In January 2025, Heisel was charged with felony interception of communications and misdemeanor eavesdropping. On June 6, 2025, a jury found her not guilty of both charges.
Heisel’s lawsuit seeks damages for slander, malicious prosecution, abuse of process, gender discrimination, retaliation, and Fourth Amendment violations. The county has not yet filed a response, and its attorney declined to comment.
