Hunter
04/11/23
An Iowa City man already facing decades in prison on numerous burglaries around the area was additionally charged after blood at the scene of a vehicle burglary matched his DNA.
Police were called to the 500 block of South Gilbert Street the morning of January 23rd for multiple vehicle burglaries. All of the vehicles were reportedly entered by breaking driver or passenger side windows. One of the victims reported her 2017 Hyundai Elantra had the driver’s side window smashed out, with items taken including a yoga mat, towel, various gift cards, earrings, her ID, and various other items valued at around $300.
Blood was found on the driver’s side door and center console, which was collected for DNA analysis. The genetic makeup matched that of 27-year-old Jerome Brooks, who was arrested January 29th for a number of vehicle and residential burglaries in the same area.
Brooks had his DNA collected through a search warrant on the 30th to link him to the vehicle burglary. He’s been charged with 3rd degree Vehicle Burglary, 3rd degree Theft, and 4th degree criminal mischief. Adding those charges to those he’s already been arrested for, Brooks could be sentenced to a total of over 143 years in prison.