Vendor For Iowa Wedding Accused of Burglarizing Their Home During Ceremony
When you're getting married, about the furthest thing from your mind is that one of the people you contracted with for the special day could be plotting to steal from you. Iowa authorities say that's exactly what this man did.
According to the Fremont County Sheriff's Department, Jeffrey B. Vanhouten operates a floral company in west central Iowa. On October 15, 2022, he delivered flowers to a wedding in Omaha, Nebraska. Afterward, authorities allege he made the approximately 40-minute drive back to the couple's house in Tabor, Iowa.
The sheriff's department says Vanhouten (booking photo above) then went into the soon-to-be newlyweds' home, without their consent. A camera reportedly shows him entering the house. The media release from the sheriff's department doesn't indicate whether or not anything was taken.
Vanhouten has also been charged with entering another home in Fremont County during the month of October. In that instance, the home's owner discovered Vanhouten inside the residence.
In a third case, deputies with the Fremont County Sheriff's Department allege that Vanhouten entered Fremont-Mills School in Tabor on Saturday, November 12. The media release says he, "entered several areas of the school without permission, caused damage to various items, and Vanhouten was then observed leaving the school with unknown items."
Vanhouten is facing a number of charges related to the above events. They are:
- 2 counts of 3rd Degree Burglary (Class D Felonies)
- 1 count Ongoing Criminal Conduct (Class B Felony)
- 1 count 5th Degree Theft (Simple Misdemeanor)
He is being held in the Fremont County Jail on a $32,000 cash bond.
Anyone who has had additional incidents related to Vanhouten is encouraged to contact the Fremont County Sheriff's Office.