Authorities responded to a harassment complaint involving threatening messages sent to an individual in Ottumwa.
On March 19 at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Ottumwa Police Department was dispatched to the 300 block of W. Second Street for a report of harassment.
According to the criminal complaint, Jeremy Barton, 38, of Ottumwa allegedly sent the victim multiple text messages that were considered threatening, intimidating, and alarming. Court documents state that some of the messages included threats to kill the victim and members of the victim’s household. In one message, Barton reportedly stated he was “putting a hit” on the victim.
An arrest warrant was issued and served on March 20. Barton is currently being held at the Wapello County Jail on a $2,000 cash/surety bond.
Barton is charged with harassment in the first degree, an aggravated misdemeanor.
Editors Note: All information was obtained from court documents related to the ongoing investigation.
