School principal and father accused of threatening woman: Complaint

A principal from an Iowa school was taken into custody on a charge of first-degree harassment, just a couple of days before his wife initiated a restraining order against him, as per court documents.

According to court records viewed by PEOPLE, 40-year-old Justin Blietz was detained in a jail in Linn County, Iowa, on Saturday (March 14), for the alleged harassment.

As mentioned in a criminal complaint obtained by The Gazette and KCRG, Blietz reportedly threatened a woman by saying he would cut her throat and "enjoy watching her die."

Details about the individual targeted in his alleged harassment remain unknown.

Blietz is reported as the founding principal of a charter school in Cedar Rapids, according to his LinkedIn profile. 

His profile on Cedar Rapids Prep's website, which commenced operations last August, notes that he resides with his family and aims to "build an environment where every student feels secure, supported, and engaged."

Photos on Blietz's Facebook page showcase him joyfully posing with his children and in festive images.

PEOPLE reviewed court documents indicating his wife previously sought a protective order before his arrest. 

In March 2025, she submitted a case for "protection against domestic abuse," as per online records.

This matter was dismissed without prejudice in April, which allows for a future refiling, shortly after she initiated divorce proceedings, the court files show.

During the time of the reported harassment event, the divorce process was still active.

According to court documents, Blietz's wife filed yet another protective order against him on Monday, merely days after the harassment claims arose.

As confirmed by law enforcement to PEOPLE, Blietz was released from custody on Sunday on his own recognisance.