Charles City teen given deferred sentence in arson and criminal mischief case

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

A Charles City teen who will turn 18 next month received a deferred judgment sentence this week on charges of arson and criminal mischief, after having previously pleaded guilty to those charges.

Charles Armstrong Jr., age 17, was ordered to serve a period of probation of three to five years on a charge of arson in the second degree, a Class C felony, and probation of three to five years on a charge of criminal mischief in the second degree, a Class D felony. Another charge of criminal mischief was dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

Floyd County District Court Judge DeDra Schroeder on Monday ordered that Armstrong was eligible for a deferred judgment, which means if he meets all the conditions of his probation and other terms of his sentence, including paying restitution for damages caused, no conviction will be entered on his public record and references to the sentence will be removed.

Armstrong and two other juveniles were arrested and charged with causing damage to vehicles and train cars in the north part of Charles City in March. Armstrong’s case was moved to adult court on a motion filed by the Floyd County Attorney’s Office in May. The other two persons’ cases are being handled in juvenile court.

According to a Charles City police report, officers responded to a call about 7:35 a.m. March 23 of someone breaking windows in vehicles in the 1100 block of E Street. When they arrived they also found a train car on fire.

A statement filed in court shows a total of $12,894 damage to nine cars and pickups, a bus, a camper and two train cars, belonging to 11 different people.

As part of Armstrong’s sentence, he was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of the claimed damages. Judge Schroeder held him jointly and severally liable for the damages with the other two juveniles, meaning any one of the three persons can be held responsible for paying the entire amount.

Armstrong was also sentenced to pay a civil penalty of $1,000 plus surcharge, which was suspended, as well as various other fees and court costs.

He was ordered to abstain from the use of alcohol and other illegal drugs and to be subject to random drug testing, as well as other terms and conditions as are decided by the Iowa Department of Corrections as terms of his probation.