Eavesdropping charges dropped against local exterminator

 RED OAK – Following a federal grand jury indictment, eavesdropping charges have been dropped against a Montgomery County exterminator accused of leaving recording devices in a woman’s home.

Aaron Johnson, 38, was arrested Nov. 4, 2014 on a serious misdemeanor charge for electronic and mechanical eavesdropping and felon in possession of a firearm. 

Both charges were dismissed from the local district court Jan. 7 less than two weeks after Johnson was indicted by a federal grand jury on weapons charges. 

Red Oak police arrested Johnson Dec. 30 on the federal warrant, charging him with unlawful transport of firearms and felon in possession of a firearm. 

After entering a plea by Feb. 23, Johnson’s case is scheduled for a March 9 trial at the U.S. District Courthouse in Council Bluffs.

Johnson, the owner of RMPKA pest control services, was first arrested in early November after a woman discovered two recording devices in her bedroom. She told police Johnson, who had a contract to spray the entire apartment building, was the only one who had access to the bedroom. 

After obtaining a search warrant, police found additional recording devices at Johnson’s rural Red Oak residence, which is the location of his business. 

In addition to the recording items similar to the ones found at the victim’s residence, police also seized computers, hard drives and other electronic devices.

Several firearms and ammunition were also taken during the arrest. 

Montgomery County Prosecutor Bruce Swanson said he was contacted by federal authorities requesting he drop the charges against Johnson following the grand jury indictment. 

A press contact with the United States District Court in Council Bluffs declined to comment if federal eavesdropping charges are pending, citing the confidentiality of grand jury proceedings. 

Swanson did confirm the evidence seized in the November arrest was sent for analysis by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and that as of now, there is no evidence of previous incidents.