CLEAR LAKE – What started as a series of troubling reports from travelers has culminated in the arrest of a hotel employee following a multi-agency investigation.
On Monday, February 23, 2026, the Clear Lake Police Department announced the arrest of 44-year-old Tara Ann Bohr of Swaledale, Iowa, in connection with a string of thefts at the Best Western Holiday Lodge. Bohr, who was an employee at the hotel at the time of the incidents, now faces multiple criminal charges.
The investigation began in late 2025 after guests reported items missing from their rooms. According to police records, the thefts occurred in two primary waves:
- November 2025: Initial reports surfaced of missing property from guest quarters.
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January 2026: A second cluster of reported thefts prompted a deeper look into hotel operations and access logs.
The break in the case came Monday morning when law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of S. 4th Street in Swaledale.
The search proved successful, as officers recovered several items that had been previously reported stolen by hotel guests. Bohr was taken into custody at the scene without incident.
Bohr (pictured at top) has been charged with three counts of 3rd Degree Theft, classified as Aggravated Misdemeanors. She is currently being held at the Cerro Gordo County Jail while awaiting her initial court appearance.
The operation was a collaborative effort, showcasing the coordination between local and state authorities. The Clear Lake Police Department was assisted by the North Central Iowa Narcotics Force, the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
While an arrest has been made and property recovered, officials stated that the case remains under active investigation. No further details regarding the specific nature of the stolen items have been released at this time.