Lang
5/17/20
A local transient accused of squatting at and trashing three Iowa City residences is seeking a new defense attorney.
30-year-old Alexander Torres is accused of squatting in vacant residences in the 800 block of North Dodge Street, the 1000 block of Summit Street and the 800 block of Caroline Avenue last month. He allegedly caused almost $15,000 in total damages to the three residences, including chopping wood on wood floors, starting fires inside and damaging smoke detectors, drywall, light fixtures, carpet and other parts of the houses.
Torres is charged with two counts of Trespass Causing Damage Over $300 and one count each of 1st Degree Criminal Mischief, 2nd Degree Criminal Mischief, Possession of Burglar’s Tools, and Reckless Use of Fire. If convicted on all charges, Torres could be sentenced to up to 21 years in prison.
At a hearing on Friday, Torres filed a motion to withdraw counsel. The request will be heard at a hearing on June 3rd.
Torres has had many recent run-ins with the law. He was accused of trying to break into the Old Capitol in October, claiming he was trying to take control of the building and steal documents. Torres pleaded guilty and was sentenced to community service.
In December, Torres was accused of breaking into a Coralville apartment and causing thousands of dollars in damage. In March he was arrested after being found wearing a stolen 1900’s era cloak at Shelter House that he allegedly stole from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Medical Museum in February. That same month he was arrested outside the Robert A. Lee Recreation center after allegedly fighting with police over a stick he claimed was his “wand”. He caught officers’ attention in that case after allegedly grabbing women’s’ buttocks.