A northwest Iowa man is facing felony theft and fraud charges in Tama County.

Fifty-six-year-old Robert Lenz of Pomeroy is accused of acquiring a load of cattle from Tama Livestock Auction and then writing a check in excess of $10,000, which later bounced.

Lenz made an initial court appearance in Tama County on February 20th on three counts of first degree theft and one count of fraudulent practice – all class C felonies.

According to court documents, the charges stem from a series of incidents that took place between January 19th and January 26th.

Lenz, who operates Lenz Livestock, reportedly bid more than $17,000 on 18 head of cattle at Tama Livestock Auction of January 26th.  He then allegedly loaded the animals without paying for them.  They were then sold to another individual.

Lenz is also accused of issuing a bad check to Tama Livestock Auction on January 19th for just over $30,000 involving 30 head of cattle, according to the criminal complaint.

The investigation began in early February when Tama Livestock Auction owner Jason Lekin reported the January 19th bad check to the Tama Police Department.

Lenz was later arrested by Tama police.  On March 1st he posted band and was released from custody after his release conditions were amended.

Lenz is scheduled to be  arraigned in Tama County District Court on March 24th.