Cedar Rapids man accused of submitting false prescriptions for his dog

CEDAR RAPIDS — The city of Cedar Rapids’ code enforcement manager has been accused of insurance fraud for allegedly submitting a forged receipt for medication reimbursement for his dog.

Greg Buelow, 53, was arrested Wednesday on a warrant issued last week, charging him with insurance fraud — presenting false information and forgery, both class D felonies. He was released on a promise to appear for an initial appearance Sept. 17 in Linn County District Court.

According to the criminal complaints, Buelow provided false information to an insurance company for a pet insurance claim. The submitted falsified invoice for reimbursement, purportedly issued by a veterinary clinic, was for prescription medications for his dog. The incident happened June 2, the complaints state.

The complaints don’t include the amount of false reimbursements.

This case was investigated by the Iowa Insurance Fraud Bureau.

Sixth Judicial District Senior Judge Paul Miller granted a request by Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks to appoint a special prosecutor for the case to avoid any conflict of interest. The Johnson County Attorney’s Office was appointed for the case, according to the order.

The city hasn’t responded to an email request regarding Buelow’s employment status.

Buelow was the public information officer for the Cedar Rapids Police Department from 2000 to 2013 and public safety communications specialist from 2014 to 2021. He then took the position of code enforcement manager in 2021.

If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.

Trish Mehaffey covers state and federal courts for The Gazette.

Comments: (319) 398-8318; trish.mehaffey@thegazette.com