On August 1 st , 2016, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office received two separate reports of criminal mischief to excavating equipment located in Jasper County. The equipment was owned by companies performing work for the Dakota Access Pipeline project. During the investigation, it was determined that a bulldozer and two different tracked excavators were set on fire. Total damages for the equipment was estimated to be approximately 1,000,000.

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and the Newton Fire Department are investigating the cases. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Iowa State Fire Marshall’s Office have also been notified.

We encourage members of the public to report any suspicious activity in and around the pipeline construction sites. Any information reported may be kept confidential.

Press Release by Sheriff John R. Halferty