A two-month long investigation into the Jan. 27 fire at the Pizza Ranch in Jefferson has led to the issuance of arrest warrants for restaurant owner, 53-year—old Robert Duane Schultz, Jr. of Ankeny. Preliminary charges of First Degree Arson—a Class B Felony, First Degree Criminal Mischief—a Class C Felony and Insurance Fraud—a Class D Felony have been filed against Schultz. The Jefferson Police Department, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson Fire Department, worked with the State Fire Marshal, determining there were multiple points of origin in the blaze that was reported at shortly after midnight on the morning of the 27th. Results from testing done by the Department of Crime Lab showed accelerants had been located in specimens gathered from various locations in the business. Records obtained through search warrants indicated the business was experiencing financial difficulties. Schultz was interviewed on Jan. 27, and claimed to have left the restaurant, locking the door behind him at 10:15 p.m. on Jan. 26, arriving at his Ankeny home around 11:15 p.m. He said he was awakened by a call from Greene County Dispatch about the fire. Schultz also said the security systems were fully functional on that evening. The alarm company, however, reported Schultz was aware the alarm and security cameras had not been operational for several weeks. The investigation uncovered complaints to Alliant Energy from the neighboring business, H&R Block, about the smell of gasoline. Schultz told Alliant Energy he was assisting an employee who ran out of gas and accidentally spilled some in the main dining area. The Jefferson Police Department received several calls from patrons about the smell being so strong they had to shower after leaving the restaurant. Authorities say the investigation into this incident is ongoing and future charges are possible for other parties who may have been involved in the fire.
