The woman who was head of a former central Iowa job training program will stand trial, despite claims by her attorney that she’s not mentally fit to do so. Federal Judge Robert Pratt has declared Ramona Cunningham mentally fit to face charges of fraud, conspiracy and obstruction in relation to a salary scandal at the former Des Moines based Central Iowa Employment and Training Consortium, or CIETC.
Authorities say around 1.5 million dollars in job training money was funneled to Cunningham and other CIETC executives. Cunningham’s attorney, Bill Kutmus, told Judge Pratt last month that his client – rather than face trial – should be declared mentally incompetent and confined to treatment. Her doctor claimed she’s psychologically unable to assist in her own defense and attempted suicide last October.
Pratt’s ruling clears the way for Cunningham’s trial, set for June 30 in Davenport. Three other CIETC defendants were tried in April. Two were convicted and one was acquitted. Two other defendants pleaded guilty and testified against the others.