Aug. 7—Editor's Note: This story contains references to strong language that some readers may find offensive.

OTTUMWA — Wapello County Attorney Reuben Neff is pushing back against claims of a hostile work environment within his office that led an Iowa disciplinary review board to recommend his law license be suspended.

In documents filed with the Iowa Supreme Court, which will rule on his appeal, Neff said the Iowa Attorney Discipline Commission was wrong to reprimand him for sexual harassment.

Charges with the commission were originally filed in August 2022. In April, the commission determined that Neff's license should be suspended for 60 days and said that a public reprimand or shorter suspension wouldn't be sufficient.

Neff appealed the decision to the Iowa Supreme Court. The sides have now submitted their briefs to the court, but it's not clear when the court will make a ruling.

The commission takes issue with comments Neff has made within the Wapello County Attorney's Office, including comments made about various judges.

Many of the comments outlined in filings with the commission are those that were also included in a battle by a former employee over unemployment benefits that were challenged. That former employee, Tanvi Yenna, also filed a complaint with the commission to initiate the disciplinary process for Neff.

Many of the statements have been acknowledged by Neff as having been said. He has argued the statements in question do not arise to the level of requiring disciplinary action, asserting either free speech rights or instances where additional context made Neff's original meaning more clear.

The stipulated comments range from derogatory language aimed at judges, or hopes that something bad would happen to criminal defendants.

Among the stipulated comments said by Neff include:

— In Sept. 2019, Neff told employees after losing a sexual assault trial that he wished the defendant would be "raped by antelopes and mauled by lions at the same time."

— While prosecuting a defendant, Neff commented that the individuals anus would be "this big" while indicating a circular shape by the time the defendant left prison, an apparent reference to being raped in prison.

— In Oct. 2019, Neff referred to Judge Shawn Showers as a "limp d---" after the judge acquitted a defendant of a sexual assault charge.

— Neff would occasionally refer to judges as "bitches" following an unfavorable ruling.

— The commission also stated that Neff would use other sexually-charged language, including telling inappropriate stories to staff.