Exterminator arrested for bugging woman’s apartment

 RED OAK – A Red Oak exterminator was arrested last week for allegedly leaving multiple audio recording devices in a woman’s home. 

According to a Red Oak Police Department press release, Aaron Theodore Johnson, 38, placed two recording devices in the woman’s home in the 400 block of North 7th Street. 

The woman found the first recording device and contacted police Monday morning. Upon further investigation, a second device was found and she stated the only person who had access to the apartment was Johnson. 

A search warrant was obtained for Johnson’s residence in the 2700 block of State Highway 48, which is also the location of his pest-control business, RMPKA. 

The search revealed several recording items similar to the ones found at the victim’s residence, which were seized along with numerous computers, hard drives and other electronic devices. 

Red Oak Police Chief Drue Powers said both devices were found in the victim’s bedroom and were audio recorders disguised as computer flash drives. The two-inch memory sticks included a  small microphone that could record up to 10 hours of background noise.  

Powers said Johnson didn’t have a previous relationship with the victim and is unsure if there are other victims. 

“We don’t know if this is an isolated thing or not,” Powers said. “It wouldn’t be a bad idea to look around if you are worried.”

As of Monday morning, Powers said no other victims had been reported. Evidence seized at Johnson’s home, including the recorders, is being analyzed by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, which will help conclude if there were other unknowing victims. 

During the investigation, it was determined Johnson had previously been convicted of a felony, and was in possession of numerous firearms and ammunition, which were also seized. 

Johnson pleaded guilty to felony theft in the second degree in 2005 and received a suspended 5-year prison sentence and was placed on probation for two years. 

Johnson has been formally charged with electronic and/or mechanical eavesdropping, a serious misdemeanor, and a felon in possession of a firearm, a felony. Johnson was released from the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Center after posting a $5,000 bond. 

He is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 20 for a preliminary hearing.