Transient accused of using stolen credit card at Iowa City convenience store

Hunter
02/18/22

An area transient has been taken into custody after allegedly using a stolen credit card at a downtown Iowa City convenience store.

Police say 54-year-old Robert Perez stole the victim’s wallet and used the debit card inside to make two separate purchases, roughly three minutes apart,  at the Kum & Go on the 300 block of East Burlington Street the afternoon of February 11th. The two purchases added up to less than $50.

The victim told authorities he doesn’t know Perez, nor gave him permission to use the card.

A check of court records showed Perez having three prior theft convictions, most recently in 2016.

A warrant was issued for his arrest, and Perez was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon. He’s been charged with 3rd degree Theft and Unauthorized Use of a Credit Card.  If convicted on both counts, Perez could be sentenced to up to four years in jail.