MASON CITY – A paroled Clear Lake man who went on what police described as a “crime spree” in October which ended with a burned up pickup truck will stand trial next month.
Michael Dean Wilson, age 25, pleaded not guilty today to a swath of charges including arson, drug possession, felony theft, burglary, two counts of possession of stolen property and more. Judge Karen Salic set a jury trial date for January 27, 2014.
Wilson’s attorney wants separate trials, however, and a hearing has been set for December 15 to determine whether the charges will be split for multiple trials.
Wilson is implicated in the burglary of the Lakeside Pit Stop on August 15, when an ATM machine was sawed into and taken from the establishment, along with all the cash inside. Also, a reportedly stolen “dirt bike” motorcycle was later found on Wilson’s property, along with stolen tools.
Police said Wilson was out of prison on parole when he committed these crimes, along with an alleged burglary of Rumorz Bar this summer. He was finally caught in October after he led Clear Lake police and deputies on a dangerous chase which ended when he set his pickup truck on fire in south east Clear Lake and fled on foot, only to be caught hours later by Clear Lake police.
INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY
