Burglars, victim sentenced in Rock Rapids case

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ROCK RAPIDS, Iowa — After two masked men entered the Rock Rapids, Iowa home of Christopher Hill and assaulted him, authorities were baffled at his reluctance to cooperate with law enforcement until they discovered what the bad guys were after — Hill’s stash of marijuana.

Hill, 22, was at home when the men, Nathan Ubbinga and Nicholas Lytle, both of Rock Rapids, entered the second floor door of the Hill residence and threatened Hill’s girlfriend. They beat Hill, then removed a small safe containing more than 12 ounces of marijuana from the house.

Hill had sustained injuries to his head from the intruders, and authorities found him oddly reluctant to cooperate with the investigation.

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office began a week long investigation, which included the execution of two search warrants. At the home of Ubbinga, more than six ounces of marijuana were discovered. After questioning, it was confirmed that Lytle and Ubbinga had stolen the safe from Hill after assaulting him.

After charges were filed and plea negotiations completed, Ubbinga was convicted of first-degree burglary and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. He was sentenced to a term not to exceed 25 years. Lytle was convicted of first-degree burglary and also sentenced to a term not to exceed 25 years.

Hill pleaded guilty and was convicted of possession with intent to deliver. He was sentenced to a term not to exceed five years, but that sentence was suspended. For violation of probation, he was sentenced to serve a term not to exceed two years in the custody of the Iowa Department of Corrections.

In a prepared statement, Lyon County Attorney Carl Peterson remarked on the tenacity of the Lyon County deputies in their investigation of the case, adding that they had done an exemplary job piecing the facts of the case together.

“I believe this sends a clear message that no intrusions into our homes will be tolerated in Lyon County without a swift and strict sentence,” he stated. “Further, drug dealing does not pay.”

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