Ames Man Who Threatened Homeless Placed on Probation

Michael Ray Nootz, 56, who was accused of threatening to kill two homeless men and a third man in July, was officially sentenced to probation last week.

Nootz entered a written plea of guilty to reduced charges in January.

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Nootz pleaded guilty to, two counts of second-degree harassment, a serious misdemeanor. He was originally charged with first-degree harassment and assault while displaying a weapon in July after allegedly going to known homeless camp sites in Ames and telling homeless men to leave the area.

He later ran an unsuccessful write-in campaign for Story County Sheriff stating that he wanted to stop Boone County law enforcement from dropping off “tramps” at the Story County line and that a hobo gang called Freight Train Riders of America had passed through Ames. Nootz formerly worked for Union Pacific Railroad in Boone.

Nootz received a one year jail sentence on Feb. 7, with credit for time served and that sentence was suspended, according to court records. He also received two $315 fines plus fees. Conditions of his probation include that he not be allowed to possess firearms and continue mental health treatment.

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