(Ottumwa) An Arkansas man is accused of robbing at least sixteen schools in Iowa and Missouri.
According to the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office, the case began with a February 2, 2025 break-in at Cardinal Community Schools, where over $4,000 was stolen. As similar burglaries emerged across multiple states, investigators identified a pattern and linked 40-year-old Curtis Barton—already on parole for similar crimes in 2018. A joint operation with Arkansas authorities led to his arrest on April 29 in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Barton is being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond, with more charges expected as the investigation continues.
The Fremont County Iowa Sheriff’s Office noted that charges are pending in Fremont County.
(Photo from the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office)
