Houston, MN man arrested following investigation into recent business thefts

Tuesday, August 7, the Waukon Police Department received a report of a theft from a business in Waukon that had taken place August 4. With assistance from a neighboring law enforcement agency, the suspect was identified as 49-year-old Scott Richard Coxworth of Houston, MN.

Upon further investigation by use of a surveillance camera system, it was discovered that Coxworth returned to that same business August 6 and had taken more merchandise. Following those investigative measures, Coxworth was charged with two counts of fifth-degree theft and an arrest warrant was granted.

Wednesday, August 22, the Waukon Police Department received a call from the same business reporting that Coxworth had returned once again and was still present at the store. Officers responded and placed Coxworth into custody for the arrest warrant.

It was also discovered that Coxworth had changed the license plate on his pick-up truck just prior to his arrival at the business. Coxworth’s vehicle was impounded and he was booked into the Allamakee County Jail for the arrest warrant and a charge of fraudulent use of plates.

During a subsequent search warrant executed for Coxworth’s pick-up, items related to narcotics use were located and seized. Another arrest warrant was requested for Coxworth for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia as Coxworth had already bonded out of jail. The request for an arrest warrant was denied by the magistrate.

The Waukon Police Department was assisted by the Allamakee County K-9. A criminal charge is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.