Hunter
08/24/22
A Northside Iowa City store employee has been arrested after it was found that he was reportedly pocketing cash on numerous occasions.
An officer was dispatched to John’s Grocery on East Market and Gilbert Streets for report of employee theft. The owner and several managers explained that there was a discrepancy with reported keg deposit returns not matching the actual balance in the cash register when 35-year-old James Rauch of Marcy Street was working.
Surveillance video allegedly showed at least 43 occasions between May 1 and August 16th of this year where Rouch would take cash from the register and pocket it. The total amount believed to be stolen from the business was estimated to be $2445.
Rouch was Mirandized and interviewed. He allegedly admitted committing the crime and apologized. He also stated that he would frequently drink heavily while at work, which impaired his judgement. Rouch also reportedly stated that he was undergoing personal and financial stress.
A warrant was issued for Rouch’s arrest Monday; he was taken into custody Tuesday morning. He’s been charged with 2nd degree Theft, a Class D felony punishable by a prison term of up to five years if convicted.