Iowa City woman charged with vandalizing residence

Hunter
03/15/23

An Iowa City woman with a history of vandalism, harassment and theft was arrested again after allegedly vandalizing an Iowa City residence.

Police say 29-year-old Trina Thompson of Southgate Avenue was called in by the victim, who reported that she spray-painted their front door just before 6pm on March 8th. Both the victim and witnesses say they saw Thompson commit the act, and Thompson allegedly had fresh black paint on her hand consistent with using a spray paint can.  A search incident to arrest reportedly found a syringe with a clear liquid suspected to be meth in her pocket, along with several used needles in her backpacks. Thompson also allegedly resisted arrest by planting her feet into the ground as she was escorted to a squad car. She had to be forced into the back of the vehicle.

A warrant was requested, and Thompson was taken to the Johnson County Jail Sunday evening. She was charged with 5th degree criminal mischief, possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia, and interference with official acts. If convicted on all counts, Thompson could be sentenced to 15 months in jail.

Thompson has been in trouble with police before.

In February of last year, Thompson was allegedly caught on surveillance video stealing a cart, trash bin and several wall clocks from Clean Laundry on Highway 1. She served 30 days in jail and was fined.

In March 2021 Thompson was accused of harassment and criminal mischief after a reported dispute with her landlord led her to smear food all over the front entryway of the landlord’s business. The charges were dismissed in October of that year.

In August 2020, she allegedly checked out a laptop and w-fi hotspot from the Iowa City Public Library and failed to return the items in a timely manner. After assuring police that she would bring them back, she again failed and ceased communicating with library staff. She was charged with 3rd Degree Theft and reached a plea deal where she was fined with the option of performing community service.

In 2019, Thompson was arrested after being accused of damaging an Iowa City hotel room. Staff reported the TV had been shattered and broken off the stand, red dye was found all over the bathroom, and she had smoked in the room, against policy. She was charged with 3rd degree Criminal Mischief, 5th degree Theft, and Interference with Official Acts. She was again fined with a community service option in that incident.