SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — (UPDATE 2/6/20 4:04 p.m.) -- After reading this story the assistant general manager of a Utah hotel contacted 2News to say his hotel was victimized by Ryan State:
[State] also scammed our hotel... out of two nights by releasing 2 mice.
The source tells 2News he is in contact with police regarding the manner. Salt Lake City police urge anyone else who may have been victimized by State to come forward.
(KUTV) -- A Utah man is facing criminal charges after police say he admitted to releasing mice and hamsters at least three times at different Utah hotels. Police say this has "likely occurred at many more hotels."
Police allege that Ryan Sentelle State, 37, would release the rodents in his hotel room then complain about it to get the room for free. Two of the three hotels police investigated compensated State following his complaints.
State would point out feces left by the rodents, a probable cause statement says. Hotels are forced to contact pest control when animals and feces are found in rooms.
Police say State and his gang of rodents caused damage to several hotel rooms.
State is facing two charges of theft by deception and three counts of criminal mischief - human health or safety. All five charges are class B misdemeanors.