A Cherokee man is facing charges after allegedly impersonating a state health inspector and threatening to shut down a local restaurant.
Police say 40‑year‑old Jason Skadeland entered The Little Panda, a Chinese restaurant on West Maple Street in Cherokee, around 6:10 p.m. on Dec. 20 to pick up food. According to an affidavit, Skadeland presented himself as a health inspector, became belligerent with staff, and told them he could close the business.
Investigators note Skadeland is not employed by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing Food Safety Bureau, which oversees restaurant inspections. The affidavit does not indicate whether he cited any specific violations.
Skadeland was arrested two days later and booked into the Cherokee County Jail on a charge of impersonating a public official, an aggravated misdemeanor. He posted a $2,000 bond to secure his release.
Online court records show Skadeland made his initial appearance Jan. 8. He is scheduled for arraignment next Friday, Jan. 23.
If convicted, impersonating a public official carries penalties that can include fines and jail time.
Photo courtesy Cherokee Police Department
