A southeast Iowa man faces numerous charges for allegedly trying to force his way into a business in Oskaloosa last week.
Francis Barretto of Oskaloosa, 46, was charged with the following:
- Attempted first-degree burglary (Class C felony)
- Two counts of possession of a controlled substance – third or subsequent offense (Class D felony)
- Dominion/control of a firearm by a felon (Class D felony)
- Person ineligible to carry dangerous weapons (Serious misdemeanor)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (Simple misdemeanor)
On October 29 at approximately 5:13 PM, court records say Barretto went to the back of a building on the 300 block of High Avenue East and attempted to enter by kicking in the door. Barretto, who was told earlier in the day to leave and not come back, allegedly made threatening gestures to the property owner by grabbing his waistband and saying, “Let’s do this.”
According to authorities, Barretto was found with marijuana, methamphetamine, and needles in his possession. Additionally, Barretto was allegedly in possession of a handgun. Barretto is a convicted felon from a 2003 case in California and is barred from having a firearm.
Baretto was arrested and transported to the Mahaska County Jail where he is being held on a $26,000 cash-only bond.
Barretto has a preliminary hearing scheduled for November 9.
