Iowa Code § 331.659: Prohibited actions.

1. a. Except for a civil claim for reimbursement under section 356.7, a sheriff or a deputy sheriff shall not:

(1) Appear in any court as an attorney or legal counsel for another party.

(2) Make or prepare a writing, document or process to commence a legal action or proceeding.

(3) Use a writing, document or process prepared by the sheriff or deputy sheriff in a legal action or proceeding.

b. The document, writing, or process prepared or made by a sheriff or a deputy sheriff in violation of this subsection is void.

2. A sheriff or a deputy sheriff shall not be the purchaser, directly or indirectly, of property which is being sold by the sheriff or deputy sheriff under process of law. A purchase made in violation of this subsection is void.