A West Des Moines man faces kidnapping, fraud and impersonating a public official charges in connection with a March motor vehicle sale and an alleged April motel confinement.
Jerry Eugene Miller, 36, of 7655 Office Plaza Dr. N., West Des Moines, was arrested on Dallas County warrants Tuesday on charges of second-degree kidnapping-armed with dangerous weapon, impersonating a public official, forgery, identity theft and third-degree fraudulent practice.
The kidnapping and impersonation charges stemmed from an incident abut 2:45 p.m. Saturday at a West Des Moines motel where Miller was residing.
According to court records, Miller allegedly prevented his 32-year-old female victim “from leaving his room” and “confining her against her will” while “pointing a rifle at her, displaying a badge/handcuffs and claiming to be a federal agent.”
The forgery, identity theft and third-degree fraudulent practice charges stemmed from a Feb. 20 incident in which Miller allegedly sold a motor vehicle and forged the signature of a licensed motor vehicle dealer on the title in order “to avoid paying tax” and to “avoid paying the mandatory fee for new registration,” according to court records.
An arrest warrant for Miller was ordered March 27 in Dallas County District Court, and he was arrested Monday by the West Des Moines Police Department.
Miller is held in the Dallas County Jail on a $120,000 cash-only bond. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing May 1 in Dallas County District Court.
Miller was convicted of selling vehicles at other than licensed location in 2017 in Polk County District Court.
*A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
