Jason Skadeland charged after impersonating health inspector, threatening Cherokee restaurant

A 40-year-old Cherokee man faces criminal charges after allegedly posing as a state health inspector and threatening to close a downtown restaurant during the dinner rush. Police say Jason Skadeland entered The Little Panda on West Maple Street about 6:10 p.m. on Dec. 20 to pick up food, presented himself as a health inspector, became belligerent with staff, and told them he could close the business.

Investigators say Skadeland is not employed by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing Food Safety Bureau, the agency that oversees restaurant inspections. The affidavit filed in the case does not indicate whether Skadeland cited any specific violations while claiming to be an inspector.

Skadeland was arrested two days after the encounter and booked into the Cherokee County Jail on a charge of impersonating a public official, an aggravated misdemeanor. He posted a $2,000 bond and was released. Online court records show he made his initial appearance on Jan. 8 and is scheduled for arraignment on Jan. 23.

Impersonating a public official is an aggravated misdemeanor in Iowa; if convicted, penalties can include fines and jail time. Local prosecutors will review the affidavit and evidence presented by Cherokee police as the case moves toward arraignment and any potential pretrial proceedings.

For Buena Vista County residents and small-business owners, the incident highlights two immediate concerns: public safety and the potential for reputational or financial damage to local restaurants. The Little Panda staff were placed in a situation that disrupted normal operations and could deter customers if word spreads that an establishment faced threats of forced closure, even if no official violations were cited.

Economic effects on small eateries can be disproportionate. A short loss of service during peak hours or the perception of regulatory trouble can reduce daily receipts and complicate staff scheduling. The event also underscores the importance of verifying credentials during inspections and, when in doubt, contacting law enforcement or the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing to confirm an inspector’s identity.

As the case proceeds, residents should expect updates from Cherokee police and county court records about hearings. For local restaurateurs, the episode serves as a reminder to train staff on how to handle confrontations and to maintain clear lines for confirming official visits. The outcome of Skadeland’s arraignment and any subsequent legal action will determine whether criminal penalties, restitution, or other remedies follow.