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Pest Control employee accused of planting bugs…the listening type

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November 4th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

A pest control company employee is accused of planting electronic listening devices in a woman’s home in Red Oak. 38-year old Aaron Theodore Johnson, of Red Oak, was charged with Electronic and/or Mechanical Eavesdropping (a serious misdemeanor). He also faces a felony charge of being a Felon in Possession of a firearm. Johnson was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on $5,000 cash bond, while awaiting an appearance before the magistrate.

Red Oak Police say an investigation into Johnson’s alleged activities began after the Red Oak Police Department received a complaint on Monday from 29-year old Jessica Hale, of Red Oak. Hale said a recording device had been found at her home located in 400 block of north 7th Street. Upon further investigation, a second device was found in Hale’s bedroom. She told police the only person who would have had been granted access to her residence was Johnson, whose rural Red Oak residence is also the business location for RMPKA Pest Control Services.

A search warrant executed at Johnson’s home resulted in the discovery of items similar to those found in Hale’s home, along with numerous computers, hard drives and other electronic devices. During the investigation, it was determined Johnson had previously been convicted of a felony, and was in possession of numerous firearm-related items and ammunition, all of which were seized.

The investigation into Johnson’s alleged activities continues. In addition, a forensic examination of the devices seized will be conducted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.