Former Iowa County Correctional Officer Adam Rice, 33, received a two-year deferred sentence Friday in Iowa County Court after pleading no contest to felony misconduct in office for an act inconsistent with his duty and misdemeanor theft of movable property. Judge Matthew Allen imposed the sentence. Rice appeared with his attorney, Glenn Edward Avena, while Attorney Remington McConnell represented the State of Wisconsin. A felony count of misconduct in office for fraud involving a record or statement and a misdemeanor count of possession of an illegally obtained prescription were dismissed but read in.
Rice had worked as a deputy at the Iowa County Jail for four years and, as a jailer, handled prescription medications. Prosecutors said that during his employment, he stole one Adderall pill and altered a medication ledger, leading to the misconduct charge for changing the record and the theft and possession charges for taking the pill without permission. The irony is Rice had a valid Adderall prescription when he took the pill in February 2026.
Concerns were initially raised by Iowa County team members who identified documentation that was not consistent with standard procedures. These irregularities were promptly brought to the attention of the leadership team, and an internal review was initiated.
To ensure transparency and impartiality, the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office was requested to conduct an independent investigation. Upon completion of their investigation, Sauk County authorities arrested Rice on March 19.
Based on a joint recommendation, Rice received a two-year deferred sentence and must complete 80 hours of community service. A deferred sentence is a sentence that is suspended until after the defendant has completed a period of probation which would clear the incident from their record. He also needed to complete two days of jail time which has been served.
Attorney McConnell asked the judge to find the disposition appropriate, calling Rice’s case unique. He said Rice made a dishonest but isolated decision by taking one Adderall pill despite having a valid prescription and noted that Rice had no prior issues on his record.
Rice’s attorney, Avena, told the judge he agreed the disposition was appropriate and said Rice is taking responsibility for his actions. Avena said Rice will live with the felony conviction hanging over him for two years, and he believes his client will not make another mistake.
Rice also addressed the court and expressed remorse, saying he had lost his career and many professional relationships and had no excuse for his actions. He said spending two days in jail forced him to take an honest look at himself and served as a wake-up call.
Judge Allen accepted the joint recommendation, saying it was appropriate because Rice had no prior issues on his record and the incident appeared to stem from poor judgment. He said he hoped Rice would take advantage of the opportunity provided by the court’s decision.