Hunter
05/04/25
A Hope House resident was charged after failing to return to the Holiday Road facility last month.
According to court records, 40-year-old Christopher Welch signed out of Hope House at approximately 5:35pm on April 18th on a 48-hour furlough to his West Winds Drive residence in Iowa City. He was scheduled to return no later than 5:35 pm on April 20th, but did not appear.
Routine phone furlough checks were conducted and were unsuccessful. Welch reportedly called back and was directed to return by 12:15 pm, but failed to do so.
A warrant for his arrest was issued on April 22nd; he was located and had his first court appearance the next day.
On April 30th, Welch waived his rights to a speedy trial and pleaded guilty. On May 1st, Judge Jason Burns sentenced him to seven days, time served, and fined him $430.