A couple was arrested after staying in a motel without paying, according to the Ottumwa Police Department.
30-year-old Mercedes Reisch of Eldon (Left) was charged with 3rd degree theft – 2 prior convictions – property not exceeding $750, possession of controlled substance – methamphetamine – 1st offense, and burglary – 3rd degree – non vehicle.
55-year-old David Horvath of Ottumwa (Right) was charged with 3rd degree theft – 2 prior convictions – property not exceeding $750, possession of drug paraphernalia, and burglary – 3rd degree – non vehicle.
On July 20, court records say Reisch and Horvath stayed in a room at the Stardust Motel on Roemer Avenue without paying. Police says Reisch and Horvath forced entry without checking in or receiving keys to the locked room. Officials say Horvath and Reisch stayed that night and left in the morning. The cost of the stay was $53.95.
Police say they arrived on the scene and Reisch saw their lights and threw a bag into a ditch. Officials retrieved it and the substance tested positive for methamphetamine.
Horvath was arrested and searched. Officials say they located a glass smoking device with methamphetamine residue on his person.
According to court records, Horvath and Reisch have prior convictions of theft dating March 2019, August 2021, and December 2022.
Reisch and Horvath were transported to the Wapello County Jail. They each have a bond of $5,000 and a preliminary hearing on July 31.
