A man from Rochester has admitted guilt in a case involving third-degree murder and the concealment of a body, an incident that occurred in 2022. Timothy Daniel Loftus, aged 43, faced charges connected to the provision of controlled substances and hiding the deceased, both considered felony offenses. The victim, Tia Mercedes Arleth, was discovered on June 17, 2022, in a field in northeast Olmsted County. Her body was shrouded under a tarp, with rope, a tie-down strap, and duct tape securing it. Arleth had been reported missing on June 12, 2022, and was last seen at the end of May that year.
Loftus is accused of supplying Arleth with heroin and fentanyl, which are believed to have led to her untimely death. He reportedly concealed her body post-mortem. In addition to this, Loftus faced allegations in two other criminal cases filed in 2022. On April 15, Loftus entered a guilty plea for the charges of concealing a body and a second-degree controlled substance offense related to a previous incident. This plea proposes a sentence of eight years and four months. Should the court approve this plea, the remaining charges against Loftus will be dismissed. This plea agreement was filed jointly, obligating the court to adhere to the specified sentencing terms. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for July 7.
The criminal complaint reports that Arleth’s autopsy could not definitively determine the cause of death due to the severe decomposition of her remains. Nonetheless, the autopsy did not reveal any fractures or bullet wounds. Toxicology tests postmortem were positive for fentanyl in Arleth’s system. Arleth’s mother informed investigators that she last saw her daughter on May 29, 2022, when she accompanied her to Loftus’ home in Rochester.
Further investigation revealed that Loftus vanished for several days following May 29. A witness identified a dolly cart belonging to Loftus at the location where Arleth’s body was found. Law enforcement discovered duct tape and rope in Loftus’ garage matching those used on Arleth’s body. Another individual informed the authorities that during a visit to Loftus’ residence on June 9, 2022, Loftus confessed to providing Arleth with heroin and fentanyl, which led to her death. Loftus allegedly mentioned that Arleth’s body was stored in a trailer near his home, and the witness noted a blue tarp was in the trailer at that time.
Security footage from a doorbell camera captured Loftus’ vehicle towing a trailer with a blue tarp on the morning of June 9. Later, the trailer appeared outside Loftus’ home without the tarp. Cellphone data from Loftus’ device on June 9 revealed that he traveled from his home in Rochester to the area where Arleth’s body was eventually found, pausing there for approximately nine to ten minutes. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension assisted in processing the scene and collecting evidence.
The Human Angle
This case underscores the tragic consequences of drug-related crimes and the importance of addressing substance abuse issues. The events leading to Tia Mercedes Arleth’s death and the subsequent concealment of her body highlight the devastating impact that drug distribution can have on individuals and families. Communities may experience increased tension and a heightened sense of vulnerability as they grapple with the implications of such crimes.
For residents of Rochester and surrounding areas, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking within their community. It may prompt local authorities and organizations to intensify efforts in combating drug abuse and supporting those affected by addiction. The case also emphasizes the need for vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the public in preventing similar tragedies.