(Stuart, Iowa) The Stuart Police Department has arrested two people after investigating a series of burglaries and thefts at four locations in Stuart between October 27 and October 30.
According to a press release on the Stuart police Department’s Facebook page, the incidents included burglaries at a business and a residence, along with thefts of property from outside two other businesses. The crimes occurred in both Adair and Guthrie counties.
On October 28, officers responded to a local business for a reported burglary. Surveillance footage showed criminal activity during the late evening hours of October 27 and early morning hours of October 28. During that same overnight period, property was stolen from outside businesses in the 100 and 200 blocks of South Division Street.
Investigators identified 46-year-old Eric Thomas Winger as a suspect in the burglaries and thefts. Officers also identified 42-year-old Amy Lee Fell as allegedly helping Winger commit the offenses.
On October 30, officers were attempting to locate Winger in connection with the earlier incidents when they were dispatched to the 300 block of North Division Street for a reported residential garage burglary and attempted burglary of a motor vehicle. Evidence gathered during the investigation subsequently linked Winger to that incident.
Both Winger and Fell had recently relocated to Stuart from Jefferson.
Later that evening, at approximately 9:03 p.m., Stuart police executed a search warrant at a residence in the 600 block of Southwest 4th Street. Officers located Winger and Fell, along with stolen property connected to the investigation, suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Both individuals were arrested, and the items were seized as evidence. Deputies from the Adair and Guthrie County sheriff’s offices assisted with the search warrant.
Stuart Police Chief David Reha praised his officers for their work during the investigation, emphasizing that small-town law enforcement should not be underestimated.
Winger faces the following charges in Adair County:
- Two counts of third-degree burglary
- Third-degree criminal mischief
- Two counts of fourth-degree theft
- Possession of methamphetamine, third or subsequent offense
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
In Guthrie County, Winger faces additional charges of third-degree burglary, attempted burglary of a motor vehicle and second-degree criminal mischief.
Fell faces charges in Adair County of aiding and abetting burglary, possession of methamphetamine, third or subsequent offense, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed.
The Stuart Police Department encourages residents and business owners to secure their vehicles, buildings and property and promptly report suspicious activity.
All criminal charges are accusations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
