Not guilty pleas from two people arrested as part of Clear Lake construction tool theft

CLEAR LAKE — The two people arrested as part of the case of construction tools being stolen from a Clear Lake work site have pleaded not guilty.

Law enforcement took a report on July 25 of over $15,000 worth of concrete construction tools being taken from an enclosed cargo trailer parked at the intersection of North Shore Drive and Sunset View Drive in Clear Lake owned by Shane Monson Construction.

After reviewing video footage, a vehicle was identified as being used in the commission of the theft. The driver of the vehicle was identified as 31-year-old Kianna Sampson of Clear Lake, who was contacted by law enforcement. A criminal complaint says Sampson admitted she drove the burglary suspect to the burglary location, where he took several items and placed them in the back seat. Sampson then allegedly took the suspect to a Mason City residence and dropped him off with the stolen property.

Sampson has been charged with first-degree theft, a Class C felony, as well as conspiracy to commit a non-forcible felony, a Class D felony. The occupant of the home, 35-year-old Derek Demory, was charged with first-degree theft as well as possession with the intent to manufacture or deliver meth, a Class B felony.

Both Sampson and Demory were due in court on Monday for their arraignment hearings, but both filed written pleas of not guilty. Demory’s trial is scheduled to start on October 21st, while a trial date for Sampson was not immediately available.

Court records do not show any charges having been filed as of yet against the burglary suspect.