The Stuart Police Department reports that they have arrested two people following an investigation into a series of burglaries and thefts that occurred at four locations throughout Stuart between October 27 and October 30, 2026.
The incidents involved burglaries at a business and a residence, along with thefts of property from outside two additional businesses. The crimes occurred in both Adair and Guthrie Counties.
On October 28, 2026, at 9:52 a.m., officers responded to a local business for a reported burglary. Surveillance footage obtained during the investigation showed criminal activity occurring during the late evening hours of October 27 and early morning hours of October 28. During that same overnight period, property was also stolen from outside businesses in the 100 and 200 blocks of South Division Street.
As the investigation progressed, officers identified 46 year old Eric Thomas Winge as a suspect in the burglaries and thefts. Officers also identified 42 year old Amy Lee Fell as having allegedly aided Winger in committing the offenses.
On October 30, 2026, at 4:06 p.m., while officers were actively attempting to locate Winger in connection with the earlier incidents, they were dispatched to the 300 block of North Division Street for a reported residential garage burglary and attempted burglary of a motor vehicle. Evidence obtained during the investigation subsequently linked Winger to this incident as well.
Both Winger and Fell had recently relocated to Stuart from Jefferson, Iowa.
On October 30, 2026, at 9:03 p.m., the Stuart Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence in the 600 block of Southwest 4th Street in Stuart. During the execution of the warrant, officers located Winger and Fell at the residence, along with stolen property connected to the investigation, suspected methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Both individuals were arrested, and the items were seized as evidence. Deputies from the Adair and Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office assisted with executing the search warrant.
Stuart Police Chief David Reha praised the work of his officers and emphasized that small-town law enforcement should not be underestimated.
Eric Thomas Winger was charged in Adair County with: two counts of Burglary in the Third Degree; Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree; two counts of Theft in the Fourth Degree; Possession of Methamphetamine, Third or Subsequent Offense and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. In Guthrie County, Winger faces charges of: Burglary in the Third Degree; Attempted Burglary of a Motor Vehicle and Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree.
Amy Lee Fell was charged in Adair County with: Aiding and Abetting Burglary; Possession of Methamphetamine, Third or Subsequent Offense and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed.
The Stuart Police Department encourages residents and business owners to secure their vehicles, buildings, and property and promptly report suspicious activity.
