Hunter
04/07/22
An Iowa City man who allegedly broke into a business and stole nearly $2000 in merchandise has been arrested after pictures of the truck used were posted on Facebook showing some of those items.
Police say 32-year-old Austin Snakenberg of South Gilbert Street forced entry into the Garmil Contractors building on Dolphin Drive Southeast at approximately 1 am on January 20th. He’s accused of stealing numerous tools and a unique set of high-power magnets contained in a yellow metal rack. Video surveillance near the business captured Snakenberg’s vehicle at the time of the burglary.
Snakenberg was observed later that day with some of the stolen items at EZ Pawn in Cedar Rapids.
On a later date, Snakenberg listed his truck for sale on Facebook. He included interior pictures of the vehicle as part of the post. The photos allegedly show the stolen magnets and the yellow rack visible on his front seat.
A warrant was issued for Snakenberg’s arrest on March 29th; he was taken into custody Wednesday morning. He’s been charged with 2nd degree Theft and 3rd degree Burglary and could be sentenced to up to ten years in prison if convicted on both counts.
Snakenberg was arrested in Tiffin on March 23rd after allegedly breaking into a gas station after hours and stealing two snack desserts. He was found parked nearby and reportedly had the stolen desserts, a baggie containing a crystalline substance, and pills that weren’t prescribed to him scattered throughout his truck. He was charged in that incident with 3rd degree Burglary, 5th degree Theft, Unlawful Possession of a Prescription Drug, and Possession of a Controlled Substance. If convicted on those counts, Snakenberg could be sentenced to over seven years in prison.