Cedar Rapids man accused of stealing light fixtures and ceiling fans from Tiffin residence, then installing some of them in his own home

Lang
7/29/23

Allegedly stealing light fixtures and ceiling fans from a Tiffin residence, then installing some of them in his own home, has led to a Cedar Rapids man’s arrest.

The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office claims 33-year-old Zachary Melsha illegally entered a residence under construction on Belgian Drive sometime late on the night of June 22nd or early the next morning. He allegedly stole light fixtures and celling fans that were still in their boxes. Video evidence reportedly shows Melsha in the area at the time of the burglary.

A search warrant executed at Melsha’s 32nd Street NE residence allegedly turned up all of the stolen fixtures, including some that had been installed in Melsha’s home. Police say Melsha told them he purchased the items on Facebook Marketplace, although he was unable to provide the name or address of the seller or proof of the Marketplace ad.

Melsha was booked into the Johnson County Jail just before 10:45 Friday morning and charged with 3rd Degree Burglary and 3rd Degree Theft. If convicted on both charges, he faces a maximum of seven years in prison.