An Ottumwa man is facing a serious misdemeanor charge after authorities say he failed to return to the Ottumwa Residential Facility following a job search.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Wapello County District Court, Fermin Joel Garcia, 44, of Ottumwa, is charged with absence from custody, a serious misdemeanor.
Court records allege Garcia left the Ottumwa Residential Facility on June 18, 2026, at approximately 3:16 p.m. to conduct a job search. He was expected to return before the facility’s 5:00 p.m. curfew.
The affidavit states Garcia was residing at the facility while under probation supervision stemming from a Wapello County stalking conviction. He had been ordered to complete the residential program by the court on June 8, 2026, and had signed an agreement acknowledging the facility’s rules. Authorities say that by failing to return on time, Garcia violated the terms of the program.
A warrant was requested in the case
Garcia is currently detained in the Wapello County Jail on a $1,000 cash/surety bond
Garcia is charged with Escape from custody – Misdemeanant Serious Misdemeanor
Source: Wapello County Court Records and Criminal Complaint.
Edited for Correction
