On Friday, May 3rd, 2019, at 6:23 pm, the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office assisted Estherville Police and Emmet County Deputies in attempting to locate a vehicle, later identified as a Blue 1999 Ford Explorer and occupied by Karissa Matheason (33), Barry Grause (48), and Mark Lee (58), all of Sioux City. Estherville Police were investigating Matheason, Grause and Lee for theft from Bomgaars in Estherville. At 7:15 pm, the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint reference to a suspicious vehicle, matching the description of the Blue Ford Explorer, driving through a private property in the 3000 block of 450th Avenue.
The reporting party followed the vehicle and relayed the location information to the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office. In the 3900 block of 550th Avenue, Deputies were able to locate the vehicle and detain Matheason, Grause and Lee in order to assist Estherville Police with their investigation. Following the investigation, the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office arrested Matheason, Grause and Lee for theft 2nd degree- possessing stolen property more than $1,000.00 but less than $10,000.00, which is a Class D Felony. Barry Grause was also charged with driving while suspended and reckless driving, both simple misdemeanors.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.