Wayland business owners charged with felony theft

WAYLAND — Friday morning at approximately 7:30 a.m. Henry County Sheriff’s Office arrested three individuals following the execution of a search warrant in connection with multiple reports of theft committed through a Wayland business.

As a result of the investigation, authorities arrested Curtis Wagler, 48, Lori Wagler, 49, and Owen Wagler, 20, all of Wayland and charged them with one count of Ongoing Criminal Conduct (Class B felony), four counts of Theft in the First Degree (Class C felony), and five counts of Theft in the Second Degree (Class D felony).

At this time, the Sheriff’s Office has currently investigated nine complaints of theft made against Outdoor Tradition CO.

“It should be noted that several other cases of theft have been brought to the attention of the Henry County Sheriff's office relating to Outdoor Tradition CO,” Henry County Sheriff Deputy Carlos Lopez stated in the criminal complaint filed with the courts.

According to the criminal complaint, the investigation of these alleged thefts found no return of money or delivery of products from Outdoor Tradition CO after they received payment from customers.

“The complainants have noted the ignoring of phone calls and messages by Outdoor Tradition CO after paying for product that was not delivered,” Henry County Sheriff Deputy Carlos Lopez wrote in the criminal complaint. “Evidence has been provided by the complaints of proof of wire transfers/payments and messages from the defendant as well as enterprise associates Lori Wagler and Owen Wagler that appear to show no intent to provide purchased products or return of monies.”

According to the Iowa Secretary of State Business Entity Summary, Curtis Wagler formerly operated Wagler Manufacturing, also in Wayland, from Jan. 3, 2011-October 13, 2020, before incorporating Outdoor Tradition CO Jan. 14, 2021.

Both companies provided similar wood-related products to customers.

While operating Wagler Manufacturing, Curtis Wagler accrued money judgments which made similar claims.

“Wagler failed to provide products he promised to provide. I am seeking a refund of the $4,272.50 deposit I paid Wagler,” one petitioner wrote in a case they won against Curtis Wagler in November 2020.

Nearly a year prior to this in September 2019, another petitioner issued a Petition Writ of Replevin for “1,700 board feet of black walnut that has been cut dried planed and straightlined,” valuing $6,494.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com