The investigation into the January 27 fire at Pizza Ranch in Jefferson continues and owner, Robert Duane Schultz remains the prime suspect. Schultz, who is being investigated for arson, insurance fraud and criminal mischief is believed to have been experiencing extreme financial issues and set the fire to the restaurant to collect insurance proceeds. Schultz maintains he is innocent of the charges and that he was in bed at his home in Ankeny at the time the fire was reported, around midnight. KCCI TV reports that on Monday, investigators revealed new digital evidence in the case, including surveillance footage of a suspect captured by a nearby bank and text messages. Schultz contacted his brother, Andrew Schultz, in text messages that authorities are referring to as “incriminating in nature.” In addition to a message saying, “I know it didn’t work last time. I will try to make sure it happens this time,” officials have found that Shultz texted his brother the word “go” only one hour after the fire was reported. Andrew Schultz has not been charged in this case.
