A former driver and the owner of a can redemption center in Ottumwa are accused of stealing nearly $900,000 in a four-year scheme, authorities say.
50-year-old Jason Freese of New Sharon and 57-year-old Leanna Collins of Hedrick have each been charged with ongoing criminal conduct, a Class B felony, and first-degree theft, a Class C felony.
Court records say Freese, a driver for Mahaska Bottling, has been creating false invoices for Can Dough Redemption Center, which was run by Collins, since 2020. According to officials, the invoices totaled $888,005.
Court documents allege Freese falsified the invoices to Collins in exchange for prescription medication.
A warrant for the arrest of Collins and Freese was issued on December 20, 2024, and they were taken into custody the same day.
Collins and Freese were transported to the Mahaska County Jail. Both were freed after posting a $25,000 bond.
