Iowa Man Faces Felony Charges for Allegedly Stealing Black Walnut Trees on Federal Property

A Des Moines man has been arrested and charged with felony theft for allegedly stealing walnut trees and scrap metal on federal property.

Randall Todd Walker, 49, allegedly cut down walnut trees from River Place Property, Sycamore Area, and Lake Red Rock all owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and from the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, owned by the U.S. Department of Interior, between January and April.

The federal four count felony indictment alleges the trees are valued at nearly $40,000. Walker is charged with a fifth count of felony theft for allegedly stealing scrap metal from the Corps’ Red Rock property.

Walker was arrested by federal and state agents on September 4 after an eight month investigation by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Walker was ordered detained following an initial appearance in U.S. District Court. His trial is scheduled for Oct. 29.

Walker faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and $250,000 fines for each of the five counts.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for conserving and enhancing Iowa’s natural resources. The DNR manages fish and wildlife programs, ensures the health of Iowa’s forests and prairies, and provides recreational opportunities in Iowa’s state parks. Just as importantly, the DNR carries out state and federal laws that protect air, land and water through technical assistance, permitting and compliance programs. The DNR also encourages the enjoyment and stewardship of natural resources among Iowans through outreach and education.