Joel Followill

Joel Followill of Knoxville faces up to 22 years in prison.

Followill was charged with burglary in the second degree, a class C felony, for a burglary in Harvey in July. He was also charged with theft in the second degree, a class D felony, and burglary in the third degree, also a class D felony, in relation to a break-in at Midtown Tire in Pella in October. Followill also has an additional felony charge under appeal. Assistant County Attorney Ben Hayek tells KNIA/KRLS news that a plea agreement on all charges has been reached. Followill has the option of successfully completing a year-long faith-based drug and criminal rehabilitation program at Bridges of Iowa in Des Moines, and after successful completion serve four years probation, or go to prison for 22 years. Hayek tells KNIA/KRLS News that he believes the agreement is a good one, as Followill’s crimes are the product of his substance abuse, and they are all crimes against property. In Hayek’s words, Followill is either an “angel” and completes the program successfully, or goes to prison for 22 years.