Edited release
05/22/26
A district judge sentenced the owner of Hawkeye Waste Systems to a deferred judgement after he pleaded guilty earlier this year to failing to maintain worker’s compensation insurance.
Judge Jason Burns granted James Watts’ request for a deferred judgement and placed him on probation for three years on Thursday. Watts will also be required to maintain appropriate insurance on every business that he operates. If Watts successfully completes probation, his record will be expunged.
Charges were filed in April 2025 after a workplace accident led to the death of employee Matthew Reuwsaat in November 2024. He suffered a workplace accident at Hawkeye Waste Systems. The Iowa Division of Worker’s Compensation determined the business was not carrying worker’s compensation insurance.
Johnson County Attorney Rachel Zimmerman Smith objected to the sentence, but said in a statement, “Regardless of the sentence, holding the Defendant accountable shows that disregard for workers and the laws that protect them will not be tolerated.”
A copy of the judgment and sentencing order can be found below