Lederman Bail Bonds offering reward for tips in employee’s death

IOWA CITY - Lederman Bail Bonds is offering a reward to anyone who comes forward with information leading to the arrest in the death of bail bondsman Jonathan Wieseler.

'We are prepared to offer a substantial reward - up to $10,000 - for leads that result in an arrest,” said Josh Lederman, who owns Lederman Bail Bonds with his four brothers. 'We offered this to the police department the day after we were made aware of this tragedy. We want to let the public know that this is out there and they should help.”

The body of Wieseler was found at the Lederman Bail Bonds office, 518 S. Capitol St., Iowa City, the morning of April 23. Police said Wieseler was shot to death and his death is being treated as a homicide.

Lederman said Friday that Wieseler's death was 'so out of the blue.” He said this is the first instance of violence being inflicted upon a Lederman employee. Lederman's father started the business in 1965 and they have offices throughout Iowa.

'Generally, this has always been a very pleasant business,” he said. 'None of our agents have ever described to us a situation where they're fearful. ... It's something that's very difficult for us to fathom.”

Lederman said their reward will not be limited to one person if multiple people come forward with valuable tips. He said he plans on having the police department put them in touch with tipsters.

'We want to encourage anybody that has information to come forward,” Lederman said. 'If that information leads to an arrest, we would be more than happy to give an award to those people.”

Wieseler, 34, worked for Lederman Bail Bonds for six years, Lederman said. During that time, Lederman said he interacted with Wieseler once or twice a week. The two men also socialized on occasion. They went to a University of Iowa basketball game together this past season, Lederman said.

'He was always somebody I enjoyed speaking with and texting with about stuff other than work,” he said.

Iowa City Police Sgt. Scott Gaarde said the police department supports Lederman's decision to offer an award.

'Private businesses that offer reward money to encourage tips and aid in reaching a successful resolution to the case are certainly appreciated,” Gaarde said in a statement.

Gaarde directed any tips to investigator Mike Smithey at (319) 356-5452. Gaarde said the investigation is 'open, ongoing and very active.”

Iowa City Area CrimeStoppers also is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of a suspect in the case. Those with information can contact CrimeStoppers at (319) 358-8477.

l Comments: (319) 398-8238; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com