State Rep. Kerry Burt not seeking re-election after charges filed

State Rep. Kerry Burt, D-Waterloo, announced Wednesday he would not seek re-election after criminal charges of tampering with records were filed against him.

The charges stem from an investigation into Price Laboratory School in Cedar Falls.

Court documents allege Burt used a false home address in Cedar Falls to register his children in the school, and that using that address inside the school's residential zone allowed him to avoid paying higher tuition.

Burt was charged in Black Hawk County District Court with two counts of tampering with records, an aggravated misdemeanor. He was one of several parents charged in connection with the investigation into the school.

Burt allegedly told an agent with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation he used the Cedar Falls address to gain residential status for his children with the school, and that school officials were aware of his actual address in Waterloo. Children who live inside the school's residential zone pay a fraction of the tuition or fees that  those living outside the zone pay.

An auditor found that Burt used the false address beginning in the 2003-2004 school year through the 2008-2009 year and that Burt owes $37,139 in proper tuition and registration fees, court documents said. An initial court appearance on the charges was set for April 22.

In a statement, Burt said he would finish out his current term but would not seek re-election this fall.

“I believe I am innocent and strongly believe my name will be vindicated once all of the relevant facts come to light. However, given the timing of these matters it's important that I focus my full attention on my family,” Burt said.

Burt, 45,  is serving his first term in the Iowa House after his election in 2008. It is not his first brush with the law since he has been in office. Burt was arrested in February 2009 in Ankeny for operating while intoxicated after an auto accident and pleaded guilty to the charge.

Burt had been facing a challenge in the June 8 primary election from Democrat Anesa Kajtazovic of Waterloo. Two Republicans also are vying for Burt's seat in House District 21, including former Waterloo mayor John Rooff and Lyn Tackett, also of Waterloo.