After being jailed for an alleged burglary, an Ottumwa man faces several more charges for assaulting the staff at the Wapello County Jail.
On February 12th, court records say 41-year-old Rene Merida entered a residence on South Moore Street and assaulted a female occupant. The victim suffered from neck pain and sustained a bloody nose. Police say Merida and the victim knew each other. A witness observed Merida inside the home during the incident.
Merida was arrested and charged with first-degree burglary. He is currently in the Wapello County Jail where his bail has been set at $25,000. Merida has been ordered not to have any contact with the victim.
While in the jail, court records allege Merida assaulted staff members on five separate occasions, four of which happened on the same day (February 17th).
Merida was additionally charged with five counts of assault on persons of certain occupations.
Merida has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges he faces.
