A former Iowa City commission member may have three charges against him dismissed over a procedural technicality.
Eric Harris, 45, was previously charged with child endangermen t, an aggravated misdemeanor, and two serious misdemeanors for reckless use of fire and second-degree harassment.
The charges stemmed from a March 2023 incident where Harris allegedly used a blowtorch to light furniture and himself on fire while children were present. Harris was later removed from his position as a member of the Iowa City Truth and Reconciliation Commission, though other members said it was because he was absent , not because of his arrest.
Harris was appointed to the commission in 2020 and was removed in November 2023.
The Iowa Supreme Court recently suggested that the child endangerment, second-degree harassment and reckless use of a firearm be dismissed due to a filing mishap.
More: Truth and Reconciliation Commission asks council to remove Eric Harris amid absences