Muscatine woman arrested for weekend vandalism

Alisa Rilla Nicols Staats. (Courtesy Muscatine Police Dept.)

The Muscatine Police Department has made an arrest following an investigation into vandalism that occurred over this past weekend. Alisa Rilla Nicols Staats, 30, was arrested at 11:20 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2025, at 324 Roscoe Ave.

 Staats has been charged with the following crimes:

  • 1 count – Criminal Mischief 2nd degree (D felony)
  • 1 count – Criminal Mischief 4th degree as a hate crime (aggravated misdemeanor)
  • 7 counts – Criminal Mischief 5th degree as a hate crime (serious misdemeanors)
  • 2 counts – Criminal Mischief 5th degree (simple misdemeanor)
  • 1 count – Harassment 1st degree (aggravated misdemeanor)
  • 1 count – Ongoing criminal conduct (B felony)
  • 1 count – Threat of terrorism (D felony)

Staats was transferred to the Muscatine County Jail upon her arrest.

A total of 11 victims have been associated with these crimes. The Guadalajara and Jibaro restaurants, Pete’s Tap bar & Grill, Pearl City Tobacco & Liquor, the Merrill Hotel, Muscatine City Hall, Susan Clark Junior High School, Muscatine Community College and properties at 113 Iowa Ave & 208 W 2nd St.

The investigation remains ongoing. Staats is considered innocent until proven guilty.

Muscatine Police were notified of multiple acts of vandalism that are believed to have taken place throughout the day on Sunday (Jan. 26, 2025). Most of the acts involved some sort of graffiti being spray painted on various buildings, one building had a window damaged, while one agency received what appeared to be racist emails.

Although the type of graffiti may be alarming, there is not believed to be any ongoing threat to the general public. Anyone who might have information regarding these acts is encouraged to call Detective Nikki Sink of the Muscatine Police Department at (563) 263-9922 extension 612.

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