Mason City man accused of Clear Lake construction site theft pleads not guilty, accomplice pleads guilty to drug, theft charges

CLEAR LAKE — A Mason City man who authorities say is part of a case of construction tools being stolen from a Clear Lake work site in July has 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. A criminal complaint says video footage acquired from a nearby building shows a male exiting a vehicle and approaching the trailer, with the male taking two trips to the trailer, returning once with a heavy bag on his back, with the car picking him up next to the trailer the second time.

33-year-old Cole Pearce was arrested in September by Mason City police on charges of first-degree theft and third-degree burglary connected to the construction theft case. Pearce this week filed a written plea of not guilty to the charges and is scheduled to be tried on December 2nd.

One of two others accused in this case has now pleaded guilty while the other awaits trial.

35-year-old Derek Demory was originally charged with first-degree theft and possession with the intent to manufacture or deliver meth after authorities say he admitted Pearce gave him the tools in exchange for paying back rent. Demory earlier this month pleaded guilty to second-degree theft and third offense possession of meth, both Class D felonies. Demory is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1st.

31-year-old Kianna Sampson of Clear Lake is accused of being the driver of the vehicle and has pleaded not guilty to first-degree theft and conspiracy to commit a non-forcible felony. Her trial is scheduled to start on December 2nd.