Former US Nitrogen Exec Jailed in Iowa

By Walter F. Roche Jr.

A former top executive of US Nitrogen and its parent company, Austin Powder, has been jailed in Iowa after being found in contempt by a judge presiding over his divorce case.
Officials of the Des Moines County Correctional Center confirmed today that Shawn Rana is incarcerated at the facility.
Rana was sentenced to a 90-day jail stay this week by District Judge Michael Schilling for refusing to comply with the provisions of his divorce from Leanna P. Rana.
Rana has served as a vice president of US Nitrogen and Austin Powder and has appeared at public events as a representative of the Tennessee company. He played a major role in the first efforts to win approval for the $220 million project.
US Nitrogen officials did not respond today to requests for comment on Rana's current status.
According to press accounts, Schilling ordered Rana jailed for his failure to pay thousands of dollars in child support and alimony. He issued six separate findings of contempt of court.
The judge stayed all but 30 days of the 90-day sentence.