Ottumwa inmate falls through ceiling during attempted jail escape

News

September 3rd, 2025 by Ric Hanson

OTTUMWA, Iowa – Sheriff’s officialS in southeast Iowa say an inmate at the Wapello County Jail fell through the ceiling of a jail cell while attempting to escape. According to the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office, 21-year-old Morgan Ann Marie West was originally arrested August 12th for violating probation on a forgery charge and failing to appear in court on a theft charge.

Morgan West

On August 28, 2025, while housed in a multi-inmate cell at the Wapello County Jail, West attempted to escape by crawling through the ceiling. The ceiling structure could not support her weight, causing her to fall through the tiles to the floor below. Correctional Officers, who had observed her actions on camera, intervened and detained her without further incident.
As a result of this incident, West was charged with additional counts of Attempted Escape and Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, both felony offenses. The Criminal Mischief charge stems from the costs associated with damage to the jail cell, which was closed after the incident, and pending repairs. Authorities said the closure will increase the number of inmates Wapello County must temporarily house in other county facilities, adding to operational costs.