Lang
3/21/21
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a local transient accused of squatting at and trashing three Iowa City residences.
30-year-old Alexander Torres was set to appear at an arraignment on multiple charges Friday morning. But online records show he failed to appear at the Johnson County Courthouse, and Judge Chad Kepros issued a warrant for his arrest.
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 in April. He allegedly caused almost $15,000 in total damages to the three residences.
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.
Torres has had many recent run-ins with the law. He was accused of trying to break into the Old Capitol in October of 2019, claiming he was trying to take control of the building and steal documents. Torres pleaded guilty and was sentenced to community service.
In December of 2019, Torres was accused of breaking into a Coralville apartment and causing thousands of dollars in damage. In March of last year 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. 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.
In August of 2020 he was charged with Possession of Contraband in a Correctional Facility after deputies found five alcohol-filled shampoo bottles in his cell at the Johnson County Jail. That charge was later dismissed.