Cherokee, Iowa — A Sheldon man has been arrested on charges stemming from an alleged burglary in January.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office reports that they have arrested 24-year-old Alex Watterson of Sheldon on a charge of Third Degree Burglary.
They report that their deputies were dispatched to the Marcus News newspaper office for the report of a burglary that had allegedly taken place.
According to court records, on January 17th, 2016, they were alerted to an a open door to the building. Deputies believe that the building had been burglarized. After their investigation, deputies believe access to the building was gained by breaking a window out of a basement door. They say they believe Watterson cut himself on the glass from the window. Court records indicate investigators found a spot of blood on the ground by the door, as well as a rock and glass with blood on them.
They also indicate that deputies believe that Watterson opened drawers to desks and took some money from a drawer.
Records say evidence was collected at the scene and was sent to the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation laboratory for testing. After Watterson came back as a possible match, court records indicate a known DNA sample from Watterson was sent to the lab. The DCI lab recently completed a report that indicated that the DNA that was collected from the scene was a match to the Watterson sample, according to court records.
The Sheriff’s Office reports that the evidence led to an arrest warrant being issued for Watterson, who was later arrested without incident.
Third Degree Burglary is a Class D Felony. If convicted, Watterson could face five years in prison and a fine of up to $7500.
Des Moines, Iowa — Flags in Iowa will be flown at half-staff beginning Friday afternoon and continuing until sunset Tuesday, July 12th, to honor the police officers killed in the line of duty in Dallas, Texas, Thursday night.
