Four charged in four-county theft, vandalism spree

Four men were arrested Monday after an investigation into theft and criminal mischief that covered four Eastern Iowa counties and spanned several months.

22-year-old Nathan D. Mueller, 19-year-old Michael P. Mueller, 21-year-old Travis A. Peterson and 19-year-old Alexander L. Fields, all of Washington, Iowa, were served arrest warrants in response to February search warrants in the city of Washington and rural Washington County. Authorities said the results of the search warrants tied stolen and vandalized property back to theft and criminal mischief throughout Washington, Johnson, Louisa and Henry counties.

Officials said the items taken include passenger vehicles, semi-trailer trucks, an ATV, a riding lawnmower and numerous hand and power tools, with a total estimated value of $340,000.

Nathan could face 20 felony and 11 misdemeanor charges, and could face a maximum jail term of 158 years and 270 days. Michael could face 13 felony and three misdemeanor charges, and could face a maximum of 115 years and 120 days. Peterson could face 18 felony and eight misdemeanor charges, and could face maximum jail time of 143 years and 180 days. Fields could face three felony charges, and could face maximum jail time of 20 years.

Eight agencies assisted in the investigation and warrant service in the case.