Arrest Made in Scotland County Burglary Cases

MEMPHIS, Mo.- A western Iowa man is in jail following a series of recent break-ins around the Memphis area.  Scotland County Sheriff Bryan Whitney tells KMEM News that 25-year old Dillon Leon Dotson of Glenwood, Iowa, has been arrested and charged in the case.

Sheriff Whitney says that his office received a call from Memphis Farm & Home to report a break-in.  A back door to the business had been forced open and the security system disabled.  Around $400 in cash was missing as well as a $1000 security system.

During the course of his investigation, Whitney learned that the New for You thrift store in Memphis had also been broken into on Sunday.  A side entry door had been forced open in similar fashion to the Farm & Home incident.  Additionally, a money box and fireproof safe worth a combined $380, as well as about $400 in cash, were all missing from the business.

The investigation also revealed that another local business, B’s Car Wash in Memphis, had also been the victim of an attempted break-in. 

Sheriff Whitney was able to review security footage from surrounding businesses to identify a vehicle involved in the burglaries.  He was also able to determine that the perpetrator appeared to be a lone male.  Whitney was able to locate the vehicle in Memphis.  Upon approaching the vehicle, he could plainly see a crow bar, large hammer and fire proof safe.

After making contact with the owner of the vehicle, a female who resided in the residence where the SUV was found, officers were told that Dotson, whom she claimed to be her boyfriend, had been in possession of the SUV all weekend.  Upon questioning, Dotson admitted to both the burglaries and attempted burglary.  He was arrested at the residence, and at that time was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine.

Dotson was taken to the Scotland County Jail where he is being held without bond.  He is charged with two counts of 2^nd Degree Burglary, one count of 2^nd Degree Attempted Burglary, one count of Stealing- $750 or more, and one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance.  Dotson is also wanted on a warrant for Forgery and Failure to Appear out of Appanoose County, Iowa.  He was additionally charged in Scotland County with being a Fugitive from out of State.

Sheriff Whitney told KMEM News that his department was able to solve these crimes in a matter of hours due to the use of security cameras in the affected neighborhood.  He stressed the importance of cameras not just at businesses but for personal residences as well to help combat crime.  The cost of these systems has come down considerably and are very affordable and simple.  He also thanked the Memphis Police Department for their assistance in the case.