The ex-wife of slain Pottawattamie County Deputy Mark Burbridge is suing his widow and the county, claiming funds earmarked for the deputy's three children was never given to them.
The lawsuit filed by Burbridge's ex-wife, Sara Reinsch, states the public donated more than $160,000 to the Mark Burbridge Memorial Fund following his murder by a convicted felon in 2017. Reinsch's lawsuit alleges the money wrongfully went to Burbridge's widow, Jessica, who has since closed the account. They claim about $160,000 was raised by the fund and none of the money went to the children.
Responding to the lawsuit, Jessica Burbridge denied the donations were intended for the children and admitted to being the account holder. She also claims the children are the beneficiaries of a $400,000 life insurance policy, and got $171,000 from the Department of Justice.
Pottawattamie County Attorney Matt Wilber said he couldn't comment on the merits of the case, but added in a written statement: "I would say that the timing of the lawsuit (as we were facing the anniversary of Mark's death and preparation for Police Memorial Week) makes this whole situation extra sad."
Next month they will likely schedule further hearings and a trial date.
