Drew G. Buersmeyer, 35, of Westphalia, faces charges of stealing and tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution following allegations that he stole a trailer valued at $1,000 from the campus at Fatima R-3 schools.

Superintendent Chuck Woody told deputies May 5 that the utility trailer had been taken from the parking lot at the school, which was captured on surveillance video as having occurred at 11:27 p.m. May 3. The trailer, described by Woody as a 10-foot, 2002 Doolittle model, consisted a black metal frame, wood flooring and white rims with newer tires.

While authorities were able to identify a white pickup truck with a work utility flight on top of the cab leaving the school with the trailer, there was no clear picture of the license plate.

Based on prior knowledge of a recent incident involving a truck matching the description as documented by the sheriff’s office, Cpl. Amanda Carnes believed it belonged to Buersmeyer.

She and Lt. Justin Carnes went to Buersmeyer’s home, where they observed a white Ford F-150, along with a utility trailer parked behind it matching the description of the unit stolen from Fatima.

Buersmeyer denied having stolen the trailer, or having any knowledge of the trailer being stolen.

Cpl. Carnes attempted to locate a Vehicle Identification Number for the trailer but was unable to do so because of the age and condition of the trailer. However, a serial number was located on the axle, which displayed a purchase order and part number from a company in Indiana.

Woody said the axle had been replaced a couple years ago in Iowa, and further investigation confirmed the trailer in Buersmeyer’s possession had been stolen from the school.

On May 8, Cpl. Carnes returned to Buersmeyer’s residence and noted the trailer was no longer there. She noted it is her belief that Buersmeyer removed the property to conceal evidence of the theft.

The sheriff’s office has applied for charges with Prosecuting Attorney Amanda Grellner, and is still searching for Buersmeyer.