An Independence man, accused of participating in numerous thefts and burglaries, has been sentenced to up to 25 years in prison.


48 year old James "Jamie" Reuther received the sentence Tuesday (July 17) in Buchanan County District Court.

In February of 2018, Reuther was stopped by Independence Police for a routine traffic violation, and discovered he had a stolen trailer in his possession, taken from Cedasr Falls.

A similar stop happened March 2nd, and again Independence Police found that Reuther was in possession of a stolen trailer from Independence.
A few days later, authorities obtained search warrants for 2 storage sheds rented by Reuther, as well as his home, and found multiple stolen items from several victims on various occasions.

On March 27th, 28th and 29th, officers executed numerous additional search warrants on properties that Reuther owned or rented. Additional stolen property was found.

In a plea agreement, Reuther pleaded guilty to six counts of Theft in the 2nd Degree and one count of Burglary in the Third Degree.

Reuther was sentenced to 25 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 3 years. He also must pay court costs and restitution to all of the victims.

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