Hunter
12/23/25
An Iowa City man was taken into custody after an investigation reportedly found that he was diverting funds intended for Horace Mann Elementary’s Before and After School Program.
According to court records, 42-year-old Ashley Eastham of Canton Street was previously employed in the BASP program. During his employment, he was reportedly issued a bank card for the purpose of purchasing supplies. However, police say between October 15h and November 17th this year, Eastham made numerous unauthorized personal purchases. They included purchases for firearms, ammunition, and accessories.
While purchasing a firearm at Scheels in Coralville on October 20th, he allegedly filled out an ATF form stating he was not a user of marijuana. However, an investigation revealed that he used marijuana.
A search warrant was issued, and Eastham was located and stopped Monday morning on Foster Road. He allegedly had bloodshot watery eyes and there were several empty bottles of alcohol in the passenger compartment. He refused a PBT, but a Datamaster showed his breath-alcohol level at .143 percent.
The residential search warrant was executed, and a THC vape cartridge was located in Eastham’s bedroom, along with numerous firearms and accessories. He then allegedly admitted that he has been a constant user of marijuana for about 20 years.
Eastham was charged with Unauthorized Use of a Credit Card, giving False Information in Acquiring a Weapon, Marijuana Possession, and first offense OWI. If convicted on all counts, he could be sentenced to up to 12 years in prison.